Ijaz Butt is not a tabloid. Even if he had been one, then hurling accusations at another team for having thrown a match probably wouldn't have passed for acceptable behaviour. He would have been chided for not going to the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit or police officials first and handing over some proof before revealing all; chided, that is, for not following a process.

No, Butt is not a tabloid. He is the sitting board chairman of a full member of the ICC. To say what he has said publicly scrapes even the barrel of unacceptable social decorum. To do so to the team of a board whose chairman has gone out of his way to help, as Giles Clarke has over the last year, is outside the bounds of sane behaviour.

Clarke heads the ICC's task force on bringing cricket back to Pakistan; he has pushed the idea of an international XI playing here. In September's Wisden Cricketer, Clarke writes knowledgeably and with some passion of the importance of international cricket returning to Pakistan. If a slap in the face was acceptable as a return for favours, then here is Butt's response.

Forget Clarke: what is the chairman saying to his own team? "Sorry Gul and company, that super win of yours, against all odds, from an unwinnable position and all that? Sorry, that was only because the other team might have thrown it." And it should be worrying, very worrying, that the debate Butt is starting displays a total lack of understanding of the nuances of modern fixing. How can Pakistan be blamed for fixing when they lose and when they win, asks Butt. If he doesn't know - or chooses to ignore - the irrelevance of spot-fixing to the ultimate result of a match, harder times lie in wait.

To be kind, it is understandable that the PCB feels under siege. The second set of allegations from the Sun feels considerably less substantial than the first. Scoring patterns, a few overs, dons in Dubai and Delhi, a source; compared to the News Of The World, this is all very inexact. Other papers in the UK have also speculated wildly and often inaccurately.

A breed under siege needs to hit back, to retaliate. And retaliation, if you feel you've been genuinely wronged, can be justified and useful. But a basic minimum requirement is to identify the correct target. It wasn't Clarke or the ECB who started this. It was a tabloid. Sue them for defamation, take them to court. Launch an investigation against them. Is the ICC's executive the target? Speak to other ICC members about it. Develop a consensus, build a coalition, make friends, influence people. Take them to court if you really feel the need. Ranting from this kind of a written statement is not retaliation, unless shooting yourself in the head is an acceptable form of retaliation.

The PCB may well even have a fair bone or two to pick with the ICC. The suits at the ICC's head office are more expensive these days. The interiors of their offices are flashier too. Overall the edifice is slicker. And they still can't, in this day and age, do something as basic as getting in touch with two leading boards to let them know that they are about to release a very significant statement that concerns a match their sides have just played. Neither the PCB nor the ECB, as is apparent from their stances, were told this statement was coming out.

The ICC claimed it tried to contact Butt all day on Friday before releasing the statement on Saturday morning. Butt was in Delhi, having met Sharad Pawar earlier in the week. Pawar is the president of the ICC. Butt and Pawar's meeting was widely reported around the world, on ESPNcricinfo, on TV in India and Pakistan, and by wire agencies.

The ICC, it appears, remarkably, was unaware of this meeting so they tried Butt on his phone, one that, because he was in India and because there is no roaming cellular service between the two countries, was unavailable. The ICC did not think to contact someone at the PCB HQ in Lahore, the spokesman perhaps, the chairman's assistant, the chief operating officer, or the GM cricket operations - both of the latter are regular ICC meeting attendees - to leave with them a message, or Lord help us, to find a way of contacting Butt.

Should the ICC have released a statement at all? On balance, if they hadn't, then a tabloid-fuelled frenzy of speculation and accusation could've been worse. Should they have done so without consulting either board? Absolutely not.

Newspapers don't run conspiracies, they run a business, which requires them to make money by selling more papers. And the ICC governs a sport that has fewer full, elite members than a human has fingers. By getting rid of Pakistan, it makes its own sport considerably less competitive

None of this - the ICC's incompetence, or even the allegations of the Sun - constitute, however, a "conspiracy to defraud Pakistan". It is a neat bit of wordplay (surprisingly neat actually), cynically designed to win over local opinion numbed into buying such theories instead of looking inwards. To one channel, in his wide-ranging assault, Butt said the purpose of the PCB's investigation was to prove to people in Pakistan that the board should not be blamed for this, as they have been equally since the Lord's Test.

A reality check is needed. Why would anyone conspire against Pakistan? To bring them down from the giddy heights of sixth in the Test and seventh in the ODI rankings?

Newspapers don't run conspiracies, they run a business, which requires them to make money by selling more papers. News of fixing sells, now more than ever. And the ICC governs a sport that has fewer full, elite members than a human has fingers. By getting rid of Pakistan, it makes its own limited, increasingly uncompetitive, sport considerably less competitive, and competition is the one thing that will sustain it. Strictly on the field, in such a tough summer, let's not forget that Pakistan have done better than many had thought, in winning two Tests, two Twenty20s and at least one, possibly more, ODIs. New Zealand, Bangladesh and West Indies hope for results such as those.

But how much longer can it go on? The PCB's relationship with the ICC has broken down entirely, that much is clear. Furthermore Butt has ensured that what few friends the PCB has are swiftly being lost. South Africa, privately, are making noises about playing Pakistan. New Zealand might do soon. More neutral Tests in England are unlikely. India is hostage to political winds.

If the darkest day in Pakistan's cricket actually does come, and talk of giving Pakistan a temporary break becomes reality, it will not be the result of any conspiracy. It will be the result of the worst administration ever to have run cricket in this land.

I am really feeling shame but the corrupt Government of Pakistan is not effecting the peace, the economy, but the sporting image too, President of Pakistan is Patron of PCB and he should have removed the sick, incompetent and loser Ijaz Butt, it has happened in many prior Governments that Board Chief has been sacked for incompetency, but Butt has created history in destroying cricket in Pakistan, but no-one to ask him anything or take action against him, nothing has disgraced Pakistan Cricket more than his comments, non-researched and irresponsible statements and totally useless remarks, and everyone is silent, shame on President of Pakistan.

POSTED BY
InnocentGuy
on | September 22, 2010, 20:31 GMT

Osman, I find some of your articles very well articulated and honest and true and everything and some, blindly pro-Pakistani. Of course I understand you are the Pakistan Cricinfo editor, but then you are a "Cricinfo Editor"! Having said that, I am all praise for this article. I completely agree with what you've pointed out here. Although an Indian myself, I must admit that watching Pakistan win matches gets me equally excited (except of course against India ;) ). To even consider that Pakistan may be given a break from cricket is unacceptable. Ijaz Butt is indeed the greatest enemy of Pakistan cricket. I hope he gets fired or is ousted or whatever. The world needs Pakistan to continue playing cricket and if that has to happen, Ijaz Butt better be removed from his position.

POSTED BY
Gundus11
on | September 22, 2010, 17:42 GMT

I would love to see Pakistan cricket back to normalcy. I pray for this to happen very soon. We would love to more street smart cricketers come up and enrich this sport. Lets hope the right measures are taken to ensure this becomes a reality.

POSTED BY
McGorium
on | September 22, 2010, 13:30 GMT

A statement often made in management and bureaucratic circles is "Cover your butt at all times". Never have truer words been said, and it's advice that the PCB should take seriously. Butt should be covered and gagged for for all times. (In Butt's case, that is best accomplished using a suppository). Or thrown out on his ass for talking out of it. Jokes aside, I suspect that this statement will hurt Pakistani cricket over the next few years more than the spot fixing allegations. Butt needs to apologize, and better yet, resign for the greater good of Pak cricket. I can't understand how the Pak high commissioner is defending him: a diplomat, of all people, should be well aware of the consequences of an ill-considered word. Cric Admins can't do much to improve the game, but they can surely ruin it.

POSTED BY
on | September 22, 2010, 12:34 GMT

Osman you are spot on.English commentators were lenient but now they r also bashing....but thats not the guilty of PAK team.they cant be banned and shouldn't.....

POSTED BY
Shazadkhan025
on | September 22, 2010, 12:02 GMT

they are posting only those comments made in favour of the writer......have pointed out many blunders of the so called Osman but never shown on this page.....can only hope cricinfo posts this one too

POSTED BY
on | September 22, 2010, 10:45 GMT

I think Butt's comments very smart and right and were mainly to show england and world how one pictures has two stories.

How the F ICC would believe a story from a Tabloid newspaper and put allegations on Pakistani players and without and proof suspend them? Dont get me wrong if they are crooks they should be punished but why the F ICC is taking month to come out with a proofs? I thought it was said in the newspaper that all the proofs they already had. Matter fact ICC is in deep trouble to cover its own rear end now because those allegations were baseless and without any proof.

PCB shoud seriously sue ICC and demand proofs right away matter fact asap and see where they stand. I think anyone who is on the losing end and they are the one who should be apologizing to PCB, ECB and to the whole world.

SHAM ON ICC !!!

POSTED BY
Shazadkhan025
on | September 22, 2010, 10:30 GMT

I was actully against Mr. Butt's policies before all this happen. now i would say a brave and right step, and praises him and will support him for bringing the truth and actul face of ICC and ECB/Other boards and their players to the whole World. The third ODI can't be fixed by Pakistan as there is only one team losing team can fix as rightly said by the BUTT. Either the findings of 3rd odi show 2nd innings batting side fixed to get out after reaching so close in colapse or World should admit that Pakistan's player are capable of bringing the match in their favour at any stage as shows the third odi. there is no question absolutely mr. Butt is i think did the right thing by pointing out mysterious side to ICC/World and now if ICC is neutral, it should investigate by the English players or temporary suspend them on their suspecious batting collapse. This is the big heart of Pakistani team they played odi series even after so much planned accuses. Good luck Pak.

POSTED BY
reality_check
on | September 22, 2010, 10:30 GMT

Ijaz Butt should learn the art of accusing the other side without being undiplomatic. This is called modern day diplomacy and Pakistanis need to learn it. This involves a willing print/electronic media (media in Pakistan is free) and an anonymous leak. This is a very old tactic when governments want to accuse the opposition of something but would not want to do it openly and be undiplomatic. You let the media do your dirty work. As far as ECB helping out Pakistan and Butt ruining it with his loud mouth. One should remember that there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests. ECB did this to make money out of hosting Pak neutral fixtures as they wanted to bank on Pak fans buying up all the tickets. This didn't happen during two tests against Australia. Only 1/4 tickets were sold and there was already talk (well before NOTW match/spot fixing report) of ECB perhaps not hosting Pak neutrals in future because of losses incurred.

POSTED BY
reality_check
on | September 22, 2010, 10:13 GMT

@Osman Samiuddin, @Kamran Abbasi: Why don't both of you crawl out from under your collective guilt of being Pakistani and write about something else other then Ijaz Butt's shananigans. Ijaz Butt has proven himself long ago to be not the brightest bulb in the room when it comes to diplomacy but can one of you guys write about the serious matter surrounding this match fixing issue. a) Why is British tabloid media after Pak team. It can't simply be about money to sell papers with sensational stories? b) Why did ICC not notify PCB about investigation after 3rd ODI and Sun report? c) Why is Trott not being disciplined by ICC after abusing Wahab Riaz? d) What was Ijaz Butt doing in India and his meeting with Sharad Pawar. e) What about Sydney test? Why did ICC not think that it was fixed but NOTW suddenly does. I am sure Pak fans have many more unanswered questions that you guys can write about but choose not to.

POSTED BY
simplyfsl
on | September 22, 2010, 23:27 GMT

I am really feeling shame but the corrupt Government of Pakistan is not effecting the peace, the economy, but the sporting image too, President of Pakistan is Patron of PCB and he should have removed the sick, incompetent and loser Ijaz Butt, it has happened in many prior Governments that Board Chief has been sacked for incompetency, but Butt has created history in destroying cricket in Pakistan, but no-one to ask him anything or take action against him, nothing has disgraced Pakistan Cricket more than his comments, non-researched and irresponsible statements and totally useless remarks, and everyone is silent, shame on President of Pakistan.

POSTED BY
InnocentGuy
on | September 22, 2010, 20:31 GMT

Osman, I find some of your articles very well articulated and honest and true and everything and some, blindly pro-Pakistani. Of course I understand you are the Pakistan Cricinfo editor, but then you are a "Cricinfo Editor"! Having said that, I am all praise for this article. I completely agree with what you've pointed out here. Although an Indian myself, I must admit that watching Pakistan win matches gets me equally excited (except of course against India ;) ). To even consider that Pakistan may be given a break from cricket is unacceptable. Ijaz Butt is indeed the greatest enemy of Pakistan cricket. I hope he gets fired or is ousted or whatever. The world needs Pakistan to continue playing cricket and if that has to happen, Ijaz Butt better be removed from his position.

POSTED BY
Gundus11
on | September 22, 2010, 17:42 GMT

I would love to see Pakistan cricket back to normalcy. I pray for this to happen very soon. We would love to more street smart cricketers come up and enrich this sport. Lets hope the right measures are taken to ensure this becomes a reality.

POSTED BY
McGorium
on | September 22, 2010, 13:30 GMT

A statement often made in management and bureaucratic circles is "Cover your butt at all times". Never have truer words been said, and it's advice that the PCB should take seriously. Butt should be covered and gagged for for all times. (In Butt's case, that is best accomplished using a suppository). Or thrown out on his ass for talking out of it. Jokes aside, I suspect that this statement will hurt Pakistani cricket over the next few years more than the spot fixing allegations. Butt needs to apologize, and better yet, resign for the greater good of Pak cricket. I can't understand how the Pak high commissioner is defending him: a diplomat, of all people, should be well aware of the consequences of an ill-considered word. Cric Admins can't do much to improve the game, but they can surely ruin it.

POSTED BY
on | September 22, 2010, 12:34 GMT

Osman you are spot on.English commentators were lenient but now they r also bashing....but thats not the guilty of PAK team.they cant be banned and shouldn't.....

POSTED BY
Shazadkhan025
on | September 22, 2010, 12:02 GMT

they are posting only those comments made in favour of the writer......have pointed out many blunders of the so called Osman but never shown on this page.....can only hope cricinfo posts this one too

POSTED BY
on | September 22, 2010, 10:45 GMT

I think Butt's comments very smart and right and were mainly to show england and world how one pictures has two stories.

How the F ICC would believe a story from a Tabloid newspaper and put allegations on Pakistani players and without and proof suspend them? Dont get me wrong if they are crooks they should be punished but why the F ICC is taking month to come out with a proofs? I thought it was said in the newspaper that all the proofs they already had. Matter fact ICC is in deep trouble to cover its own rear end now because those allegations were baseless and without any proof.

PCB shoud seriously sue ICC and demand proofs right away matter fact asap and see where they stand. I think anyone who is on the losing end and they are the one who should be apologizing to PCB, ECB and to the whole world.

SHAM ON ICC !!!

POSTED BY
Shazadkhan025
on | September 22, 2010, 10:30 GMT

I was actully against Mr. Butt's policies before all this happen. now i would say a brave and right step, and praises him and will support him for bringing the truth and actul face of ICC and ECB/Other boards and their players to the whole World. The third ODI can't be fixed by Pakistan as there is only one team losing team can fix as rightly said by the BUTT. Either the findings of 3rd odi show 2nd innings batting side fixed to get out after reaching so close in colapse or World should admit that Pakistan's player are capable of bringing the match in their favour at any stage as shows the third odi. there is no question absolutely mr. Butt is i think did the right thing by pointing out mysterious side to ICC/World and now if ICC is neutral, it should investigate by the English players or temporary suspend them on their suspecious batting collapse. This is the big heart of Pakistani team they played odi series even after so much planned accuses. Good luck Pak.

POSTED BY
reality_check
on | September 22, 2010, 10:30 GMT

Ijaz Butt should learn the art of accusing the other side without being undiplomatic. This is called modern day diplomacy and Pakistanis need to learn it. This involves a willing print/electronic media (media in Pakistan is free) and an anonymous leak. This is a very old tactic when governments want to accuse the opposition of something but would not want to do it openly and be undiplomatic. You let the media do your dirty work. As far as ECB helping out Pakistan and Butt ruining it with his loud mouth. One should remember that there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests. ECB did this to make money out of hosting Pak neutral fixtures as they wanted to bank on Pak fans buying up all the tickets. This didn't happen during two tests against Australia. Only 1/4 tickets were sold and there was already talk (well before NOTW match/spot fixing report) of ECB perhaps not hosting Pak neutrals in future because of losses incurred.

POSTED BY
reality_check
on | September 22, 2010, 10:13 GMT

@Osman Samiuddin, @Kamran Abbasi: Why don't both of you crawl out from under your collective guilt of being Pakistani and write about something else other then Ijaz Butt's shananigans. Ijaz Butt has proven himself long ago to be not the brightest bulb in the room when it comes to diplomacy but can one of you guys write about the serious matter surrounding this match fixing issue. a) Why is British tabloid media after Pak team. It can't simply be about money to sell papers with sensational stories? b) Why did ICC not notify PCB about investigation after 3rd ODI and Sun report? c) Why is Trott not being disciplined by ICC after abusing Wahab Riaz? d) What was Ijaz Butt doing in India and his meeting with Sharad Pawar. e) What about Sydney test? Why did ICC not think that it was fixed but NOTW suddenly does. I am sure Pak fans have many more unanswered questions that you guys can write about but choose not to.

POSTED BY
whasan
on | September 22, 2010, 9:02 GMT

Very well written. I agree with every word of it. I think Ijaz Butt is out there to harm Pakistan cricket rather than being of any help to it. I hope somebody soon realizes this which everybody else knows and terminates his services immediately. Not only this, but also he lacks diplomacy, he has no knowledge of cricket, was a very ordinary player, and has no other real skills.

POSTED BY
Imran-74
on | September 22, 2010, 7:22 GMT

Where ever money in Pakistan there is cruption. In cricket board as well, I am hundrad percent agree that Manager Yawar Saeed is invalve in Match Fixing along with some other boards members espcialy Mr Butt.
Yes there is mafia who control the pakistan cricket.Everone asking Imran khan to lead the board but no one act on his perposals such as make changes in domestic cricket.first of all get rid of these useless old idiots management. Secondly make judicial inquary and who ever found guilty punish him.
I can't give a clean chit to players there is something wrong, and now have to wake up. Otherwise it will be tolate.
Mr Sarfraz why you no go to supreem court with all the evidences you have. Its in the interst of Pkistan. come on go ahead, if you don't want a post in the board. let prove your loylaty to Pakistan and pakistan cricket.
All these players who are under investigation they are controvercial, why we stuck with them and they are all not out standing players. Like these we ha

POSTED BY
ss_ton
on | September 22, 2010, 3:10 GMT

Excellent article Osman! If only the caliber of your administrators was comparable to your cricket correspondents you wouldn't even have needed to write this piece...

- Sympathetic Indian Fan

POSTED BY
FaisalAsghar
on | September 22, 2010, 3:06 GMT

"is outside the bounds of sane behavior..."

and suspending three players of a "full member of the ICC" is sane behavior??? that too based on allegations from a tabloid???

im not here to support ijaz butt; you should also consider what caused him to react, you can talk about his actions as much as you can but i suggest thinking about the actions of the others; whom you might think are 'dignified' i presume!!!

POSTED BY
Alexk400
on | September 22, 2010, 3:02 GMT

I started to think pakistan will be banned for 5 years after tomorrow match ends. The reason tour continued because you can't react immediately to if some one say something ridicolous.

PCB lost its common sense and it does not belong to part of ICC. At present PCB leadership acts like a politician defends , deflect and accuse methods.

i think it should be minimum 5 years until ICC see dramatic change in PCB operations.

That means we will not have pakistan in the world cup in 2011. Goodriddens.

POSTED BY
oman20101982
on | September 22, 2010, 1:59 GMT

well... it isnt a good feeling when some body blames you without any proof and it makes me think that the pakistani player and fans would have felt the same when we were doing the blame game with out any proof after... all a man counting money in the video doesnt mean's in any way that the players are guilty that guy was the manager for most of the players and would have known them for ages.... and it wasnt fair at all to ban the players without any proof when they were not even playing you still cant say they are guilty .... i guess ijaz butt played the same game with us and it has affected our players badly ....on and off the field you can see the difference clearly this isnt the same england team which we saw through out the summers....pakistani players are most entertaining in the world ....ammir alone has been outstanding and is great to watch bowl at 90 mph which is brilliant for an 18 years old .if there is any evidence against them it should be made public or stop blaming.

POSTED BY
NadeemNz
on | September 22, 2010, 1:55 GMT

I am very much happy with Butt's comments. At least English crickters now can understand the blame game. I do not know about the rest of the world, We pakistani, commoner to parlimetarains, ex-crickters to young cricketers and diplomats feel that we have been victimized by ICC. each time pakistan team wins a match in england, they have to face a new scandal. The english media has dual standard. if wasim does the reverese swing, it is tempering and if symond jones does it, it is an art. If pakistani bowlers through the ball rolling on the ground, it is ball tempering. Pakistan team should stop their tour of england and come back to country. We want cricket share with respect. Haron logart has acted as an idiot so far. I am wating for the current management of ICC to be replaced by sensible people. English crowd is the best and LORDS is the best place for cricket. Disappointed with botham's remarks. he is world crickter not only the english crickter. His comments do not suit to his statu

POSTED BY
PERISHER01
on | September 22, 2010, 1:43 GMT

I think that Pakistani cricket has reached the bottom and this all is due to Mr. Ijaz Butt.Not winning is the indicator of success but ones morality is the parameter which makes one distinguished. Mr Butt has given none. Attacking English players was the dumbest thing that he did just to conceal his own inadequacies.Under his "able" leadership i am afraid pakistani cricket would be wiped out of the scene....Lets see if he again distracts from his stance as as he did previously, say again that media has misquoted him.

POSTED BY
Tmalik
on | September 22, 2010, 1:34 GMT

The way English Media and England has been treating so far to Pakistan Cricket it is amazing. Looks like this is all planned. England as country has bigger responsibility and should come and clean these issue up. But if they presist with whatever is going on we expect LAST ATTEMPT TO TARNISH PAKISTAN CRICKET AND PAKISTAN IMAGE ON LAST ONE DAY GAME i.e. happens to be today.
SO GUYS LOOK FOR ANOTHER ATTEMPT OF SCANDALISE PAKISTAN CRICKET FOR THE LAST TIME ON THIS TOUR!!!!!!!!!

WATCH OUT!!! DONT BE SURPRISED.................

POSTED BY
AhmadSaleem
on | September 22, 2010, 1:08 GMT

Butt was being criticized for remaining silent over the whole issue by Pakistani media. Eventually, he spoke out but in very wrong way. He should have defended Pakistani players and sent a legal notice to those tabloids but should not have targeted England cricket team. He just couldn't handle the pressure of the situation and I am sure he would have not intended to say what it turns out to be.

POSTED BY
abhay8157
on | September 21, 2010, 23:48 GMT

This guy continues to be the downfall of Pakistan Cricket... They need some radical changes or no team is going to play against them... and Pakistan will be another Zimbabwe in the making.

POSTED BY
S.N.Singh
on | September 21, 2010, 23:42 GMT

This problem with Pakistan players seems to be a "norn." They have lost all their matches against Australia which caused seven players to be penalized and then
under political presure released scotch free. That give the players more leway to do
as they like, to make more money. It all about making money. Zaharudhin of India
was band from cricket because of this very problem. Why Pakistan do not allow the process of the rules and regulation to take place and accept their decision. Pakistan in the long run will "PARDON THEIR PLAYERS" S.N.SINGH USA

POSTED BY
Tom_Bowler
on | September 21, 2010, 23:22 GMT

After the third Test at The Oval this looked like it might be quite a summer for Pakistan, how horribly it has turned out. As if the allegations against Salman Butt, Asif and Amir weren't bad enoug

POSTED BY
Chris_P
on | September 21, 2010, 23:18 GMT

Sadly, Pakistan cricket reflects the administration of its board. The difficult part of this, is that the Pakistan cricketers have a lot to contribute to the cricket world and that Butt has been more of a hindrance thana help in the progress of cricket in this region. He has consistently shown an ignorance in what cricket means to the true followers and indeed, what it means to the players who play the game for the sheer passion it gives to both players and fans. Well written article, this delves into the main concerns many followers should know about.

POSTED BY
Talagolla
on | September 21, 2010, 23:11 GMT

My guess is that Ijaz Butt will remain PCB chief till Mr. Zardari is in his chair. For the optimists ones they need to look no farther than recent Hockey world cup debacle. Pakistan finished last in Hockey World Cup in India - yes you have guessed right, nothing, no accountability, nada!!! Politically motivated Pakistan Hockey Federaton (PHF) did not remove Secertary of Pakistan Hockey Federation - who also has a distinction of being accused of Human trafficking. This was despite several weeks of formal protestations and numerous press conferences from almost all of the past titans of Pakistan hockey against the secretary.

Someone need to neutralize the self destructive mode paskistan is in - not sure who.

Pakistan Zinadabad!!! I will say it while I still can.

POSTED BY
sherri_81
on | September 21, 2010, 23:01 GMT

Butt has once again lost the plot but this time it is going to hurt Pakistan cricket like never before. He is a fool to mess up our relationship with the ECB. All know that the guy has no brains but surely someone close to his 'Royal Thickness' needed to remind him to be more careful mainly due to ECB's goodwill to stage their 'Home' games on their shores.
Mr. Butt's recent statement has now also given Cricket Australia an excellent opportunity to take revenge of Howard's nomination farce; they will now lobby to get Pakistan banned or major members to refuse to play Pakistan.
I do believe that there was a need for an 'outburst' from PCB against ICC as ICC have gone from one extreme to another (i.e. Warne's cover up to current Haroon Logart media show). If ICC cannot investigate these allegations discreetly then they should also be told that we cannot allow public humiliation of our Cricketers based on some allegations reported by a third grade newspaper.

POSTED BY
a.syed81
on | September 21, 2010, 22:43 GMT

Well the way I see it is quite simple. All England was doing is trying to play mind games. Just take a step back and try to observe what has done since Pakistan started this tour. 1st they win against Australian. Then after loosing 1st test against England they bounced back and win 2nd test.

Match-Fixing / Spot-Fixing is happening in every team and many players from different teams are involved in it then why everyone is only and only spitting on Pakistan? Furthermore these allegations are more then enough to cause mental distraction which not only effects on any particular team perform but also individual player's performance too. This is what exactly England has done. It seems like a big giant SETUP to me. It involves ECB, ICC and English media.

After their lost in 2nd test they were threaten that there is a good chance they'll loose 3rd test and series as well. And that why they accused Spot-Fixing allegation on Pakistan bowling attack. They targeted the strength of Pakistan tea

POSTED BY
oman20101982
on | September 21, 2010, 21:56 GMT

well... it isnt a good feeling when some body blames you without any proof and it makes me think that the pakistani player and fans would have felt the same when we were doing the blame game with out any proof after... all a man counting money in the video doesnt mean's in any way that the players are guilty that guy was the manager for most of the players and would have known them for ages.... and it wasnt fair at all to ban the players without any proof when they were not even playing you still cant say they are guilty .... i guess ijaz butt played the same game with us and it has affected our players badly ....on and off the field you can see the difference clearly this isnt the same england team which we saw through out the summers....pakistani players are most entertaining in the world ....ammir alone has been outstanding and is great to watch bowl at 90 mph which is brilliant for an 18 years old .if there is any evidence against them it should be made public or stop blaming.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 21:31 GMT

So my new coined name for him is "JONATHAN TAUNT"

POSTED BY
bobmartin
on | September 21, 2010, 21:14 GMT

@AK47_pk No true cricket fan will forget those examples you quoted. There are probably several more if you care look hard enough.. However, don't confuse things that happened which subsequently became illegal, with those that have always been illegal. I would also lay a bet (or perhaps that's not a particularlysuitable phrase to use in the current circumstances) that Pakistan cricketers have been involved in more than any other individual country's... So don't add up all the misdeamours by other countries to try to somehow justify the illegal actions of your own country's cricketers. It won't wash I'm afraid. Except maybe in Pakistan, then it'll wash whiter than white. 100-1 this post, like most of the others I've written criticising Pakistan cricket won't get posted...

POSTED BY
Bobito
on | September 21, 2010, 19:09 GMT

The last paragraph of this article is spot on. The general feeling among English cricket fans and, I suspect ECB and ICC officials, was of sadness, shock and sympathy for the lad Mohammad Aamer. Ijaz Butt has turned that into anger and resentment. A week ago the idea of Pakistan being suspended from international cricket looked unlikely. Now, with Butt firing off ludicrous slurs for which he has no evidence and giving the impression that the PCB will resist any attempt to clean up the game, that possibility is growing ever stronger.

POSTED BY
Tauqir_Ghani
on | September 21, 2010, 19:07 GMT

How much damage does it take to get rid of Ijaz Butt?

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 18:55 GMT

@Hamid1: Well said, "conspiracy on the part of Pakistan". While Pakistani players have been needing psychologist they have managed to overcome the situation and even they afloat in the series after going down 2-0, many of persons like you would be thinking that there might be ball tempering especially how well Pakistani bowlers could managed reverse swing even without their bowling spearhead. Some thing is going wrong. Pakistan needed to go down 5-0 to make England No.2. but unfortunately they are still playing to win the series. Let's see what happen on tomorrow.

POSTED BY
Kula_Bowls_Inswing
on | September 21, 2010, 18:47 GMT

As an England fan, I feel for the Pakistan team, especially Umar Gul. The team seems to be behaving professionally and in a dignified manner, unlike their board chairman. Butt's comments were unbelievably irresponsible. Instead of looking to the root of the problem, Butt's comments will have just encouraged hostility between England and Pakistan fans, which can be seen on these comment pages, with criticism reserved for the English media. The media's reaction is a fair reflection of how upset and disappointed people are with the spot-fixing scandal. If it were the England players accused, the reaction of the English press would be far greater and even more angry. I agree that the press should refrain from acting like the accused are guilty before any judicial conclusion, but the ICC's decision to suspend them pending investigation is the correct one. Can we please focus on the causes of match-fixing, rather than fighting, it is the last thing world cricket needs.

POSTED BY
Aura123
on | September 21, 2010, 18:39 GMT

I totally agree that England has given us big favour and i sincerly thanks them for that.

But why you were not quick to write when ICC accused Pakistan for spot fixing through media without consulting PCB ?

I will blame ICC whose Anit corruption team is totally useless and relying on most reliable source of the world i.e SUN newspaper :-)

The way ICC handle the whole situation is totally unprofessional and Butt comments were not helpful either

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 17:58 GMT

Pakisatn is paying the price for not supporting Howard, Former Australian PM for ICC top post. Not surprising News of the world is owned by an Australian. Watch out other. You might be next. Ijaz Butt is thick with no brain and is crony of the President Zardari. He is employed to help cleaning the kitty and destroying what is lefyt of cricket. Please resign to save your self from ICC/ECB

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 17:11 GMT

It is very unfortunate to see the way PCB administration is handling this serious match-fixing allegations against them by making shockingly irresponsible comments like this.
Mr Butt is neatly playing into the hands of a British tabloid and further convincing people around the world that PCB is all but a bunch of corrupted individuals.
The fact that even after this kind spirit sapping allegations and sacking of key players, Pakistan team putting up a splendid performance in the ODI's makes me wonder how much the cricket world is losing out due to poor administration of one cricket board.

POSTED BY
Afridian
on | September 21, 2010, 16:52 GMT

Why are you creating a mountain out of a molehill???

What Mr.Butt has said is that this is going on in the bookies' circle.

Nobody loses a match because of spot-fixing so Pak Teams talent is not questioned.......

Where there is smoke, there is fire!!! I think it stands for English and Paki players alike...

interesting coverage in all 'fair'ness given to England on cricinfo these days!!!

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 16:36 GMT

Bravo Malik! I think u have hit the nail on the head. Moreover Have a look at the umpiring pattern!! A clearly legal delivery is called a NO ball .. and Plum LBWs are given Not Out by an ENGLISH UMPIRE!!! CAN WE CALL THIS FIXING? IS THE UMPIRE INVOLVED????

POSTED BY
mk49_van
on | September 21, 2010, 16:34 GMT

A decade ago a die-hard India fan like me would have been gleeful at the thought that this would become the future of Pakistani cricket. But when it has actually come to pass - I am overwhelmed with sadness. Pakistan is a great cricketing nation. I hope it can come back from this terrible phase, and come back soon. The World Cup, perhaps?

POSTED BY
AK47_pk
on | September 21, 2010, 16:04 GMT

perhaps MR BOTTOM lol is thinkin that after all this pakistan is still gona win the series so now hes asking for a ban, like ICC is run by his MOTHER IN LAW :)....CM,ON ICC if you can investigate a team on a tabloid,s report then why cant you do when the head ov full member ov urs is sayin same?? at the end ov the day MR BUTT is chaiman ov pcb not a tabloid so should be taken seriousley..

POSTED BY
AK47_pk
on | September 21, 2010, 15:55 GMT

@vishnu....thats the thing mate, you rememberd Afridi but you forgot to mention Broad dancing on the ball?? dravid giving taste ov sweets to ball??,,,england captain using sand on the ball??...im sure i dnt need to remind you about other cheaters :~)...

POSTED BY
bobmartin
on | September 21, 2010, 15:41 GMT

It defies belief... You couldn't make it up. It doesn't matter what Pakistani cricketers get up to... lose, draw or forfeit, cheat, spot fix or any other misdeamour, their supporters immediately adopt their default position; ie it's the world against Pakistan, it's all a plot, it wasn't our fault... .. I'm beginning to conclude that they couldn't recognise the truth if it jumped out and bit them on the bum. I despair.. Is it any wonder that the rest of the cricketing world is getting sick and tired of it. Give it a rest....

POSTED BY
hasanjawaid
on | September 21, 2010, 15:36 GMT

Every one has the right to express and voice their opinion but if it's not based on objectivity and fairness it offers no value to a sane rational mind which is what I have observed from several posted comments specifically: mps-400 and Hamid1. MPS400 does not seem to know the altercation between Mike Gatting (Team captain) and umpire Shakkoor Rana which took place in 80s where Mike labeled entire Pakistan as bunch of cheats and apologized later. Should English team deserved eviction from world cricket because of Mike's irresponsible comments. Please think rationally and objectively. As for Mr. Hamid1, Pakistan team has played under all kinds of pressure so far but not much has been said about that and English team is such a pussycat that they lost under pressure. If you like cricket and have played it, show it by appreciating the team for their efforts and learn to accept defeat cheerfully. There is no place for bad losers in cricket.
Cheers.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 15:07 GMT

I think Mr. Butt is essentially right. He never pointed finger at the English team. He was just giving out an example using the English team only to highlight the sickening anti-Pakistan prejudice. He was trying to make a point on the fact that the English media is pathologically biased against the Pakistan cricket. (Please go and read the widespread nonsense they are spewing out against Pakistan). And indeed those cricket bodies, i.e. ICC, showed uncanny enthusiasm in endorsing the bias as they readily turned the allegations into a judgement of their own. Mr. Butt should instead be lauded for his guts, for taking a stand and speaking out.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 14:31 GMT

Where was Mr. Butt, when the players were accused of fixing. He has no right to be the man to run PCB; A failure in all places. Not able to justify his own teams performance. Its not coming in to me WHY on earth is he the Chairman of PCB.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 13:58 GMT

i think butt said something which he didnot meant.

POSTED BY
SHassan1612
on | September 21, 2010, 13:46 GMT

Osman
I dont know if you do read all these comments; perhaps you dont have enough time to analyse the feedback which your articles draw. I hope you will read this one and reply that how on earth Ejaz Butt is the chairman. We all know that there are people who enjoy high places which they dont deserve but seldom these positions have this much exposure to international media as PCB. Should Pakistan not have some one, I am sure there must be some one, who can react to in situation like PCB went through, can handle crisis situations and turn the negative hype into positive messages using all available media channels. Since this matter of spot fixing, there is a clear cynicism and paranoia manifested in the content by Andrew McGlashan's article. Andrews says Paksitani players were jubilant when Trott was out because of last night altercation. This is rubbish and need to be check because bowler irrespective of the situation, celebrated wicket along with fellow team member.

POSTED BY
reff22
on | September 21, 2010, 13:35 GMT

here is my analysis of the reasonings behind everything that has happened:

from the butt side: ejaz butt is the brother in law of the defence minister of pakistan (who almost became the prime minister)....such powerful political personalities not only control their own seats, but many other in the region to which they belong......to keep such politicians happy, the party leader - zardari - has to give their friends and relatives certain key jobs - chairman of a bank, president of pcb etc......so butt with some cricketing background, get the coveted pcb head job.......

now, if zardari fires butt, he could lose the political support of this influential politician and his team....which would weaken his govt......so he cannot fire butt.....also, it is politically negative for zardari and party to have everyone in uk attacking pakistan (even if some of it is legitimate)......so if butt lashes out at the attacks and ecb, it makes him look like a patriot and takes pressure off zardari.

POSTED BY
ejsiddiqui
on | September 21, 2010, 13:31 GMT

I like your articles Osman but this time it seems very odd.
You are asking for Reality Check which you have not yourself in your article e.g.

"Newspapers don't run conspiracies, they run a business, which requires them to make money by selling more papers"
This could be a good definition for an intellectual event but this not the reality. The reality is they want to increase their sales by virtue of sensation. And there is NO EASY target in the world then Pakistan.

Don't go on ranking, everyone one knows when Pakistan play with full potential and zeal, no one can defeat them.
British media has always been hostile against Pakistani team, but I am surprised that why they have left Umar Gul. He is also a match winner for Pakistan.
English thought that it is not easy to defeat full strength Pakistan time so they broke but still they lost against depleted Pakistan team.

Ijaz Butt made the right comments. ICC and papers alegations are without any proof. You can ask any foriegn bookie (Pakistan, India or Srilanka) to sit and give an interview on condition that he will be safe and that waht happened. Mr Majeed got bail and he was out within 24 hours. So people cant see whats going on out there. Why Majeed was left go if he illegally give money to players? This is all game and whos behind we will know

POSTED BY
irfanzulfiqar786
on | September 21, 2010, 13:27 GMT

ian botham wants pakistani team to be banned from the all forms of the cricket, is that his frustration or grudges, he had been trying for decades to humiliate pakistani players even british courts have given the judgements in favour of pakistanis whenever any civil suits have had been filed,the overrated ian botham got the knighthood(sir, title), i suggest to him that he should be mature enough to avoid talking like a kid, at the end of the day english players are not angels if they blame Pakistani players with deterrence why they are crying when somene is challengeing their characters, tit for tat isn't it,allegations are just allegations until unless they bear the proof of solid evidence to prove someone guilty.

POSTED BY
maddy20
on | September 21, 2010, 13:09 GMT

Pakistan is losing any allies they are left with thanks to Mr.Butt. It is now only a matter of time when PCB will be "Isolated" from world cricket. Pity that an exciting team like Pakistan is being hounded by this man!

POSTED BY
Topidrama
on | September 21, 2010, 13:07 GMT

Trott and Riaz

what ICC would have done if it was Riaz or a Pakistani accusing Trott for any wrong doing or taking money? No body see this as punishable?

POSTED BY
ejsiddiqui
on | September 21, 2010, 12:59 GMT

Best comment from ICC "The ICC claimed it tried to contact Butt all day on Friday before releasing the statement on Saturday morning" LOL

The whole world knows that Ijaz Butt was meeting with ICC President and ICC dont' know the he is with our president. WOW Ridicule of extreme nature.

POSTED BY
Topidrama
on | September 21, 2010, 12:59 GMT

Agree and disagree,

Ijaz Butt should resign immediately regardless of his remarks about the English team, he is truly a proper insane and has failed to keep his relations alive with any cricket board or ICC, at one hand you have England who has always help pakistani cricket not just by offering a neutral venue due to whatever crises in pakistan but also by not cancelling the ongoing cricket series, had they done it no other board would ever respect pakistan's cricket and it would have gone worse than zimbabwe whome no one would want to play in such conditions. Now what I disagree is the balance ICC, media and all of us should have with the cricket all over the world it is easy to accuse pakistan for all sort of reason and if some dirty stuff hinting the same towards any other nation it is so difficult to point finger. What Mr Butt should have said by using appropriate words that investigation should be with the losing team and losing players when the batting order collapsed.

POSTED BY
atif1977
on | September 21, 2010, 12:41 GMT

Ban the english from all sorts of cricket. Those buffoons need to be taught a lesson starting with trott for having lifting a finger on Wahab. Strauss needs to be banned for life for his match fixing in the 3rd ODI and so should Morgan!

POSTED BY
Reggaecricket
on | September 21, 2010, 12:39 GMT

Butt has often made a fool of himself so this is just another one of those episodes as far as he is concerned. Although the 3 Pakis suspended by the ICC (esp Amir) are most likely guilty, I can't help wonder if there is actually a bit of a witch hunt gaping on here. What with SL players also accused (and so far no evidence produced), I ask myself if there is some sorta conspiracy following the John Howard saga!

POSTED BY
Anubis
on | September 21, 2010, 12:39 GMT

I agree with Hamid1. Does seem like it is backfiring. As far as PCB chairman is concerned, it is not his fault. Seriously, what else could anyone expect?

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 12:23 GMT

Butt is a degraded and despicable individual. The phrase "To bite the hand that is feeding u " springs to mind. The ECB, the England captain, had all scoffed at the baseless Sun allegations, so Butt decided to open his foul mouth, thereby making an enemy of one of the few friends of Pakistan cricket, the ECB , Strauss and Giles Clarke

Of course Butt has only been in power because he is a friend and crony of mr ten percent Asif Zardari the similarly corrupt Billionaire beggar who asks for handouts for this proud nation without contributing his own ill gotten gain and brings great shame on this historic country internationally.

Butt in conjunction with the high commisioner and the 3 players involved in spot fixing has bought shame and disgrace on his country.

As a pakistani it pains me but what Butt has done is take a giant dump on the legitimate anger Pakistanis feel at them being singled out when the true problem is Indian bookies,Indian money and the ICC's incompetence.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 12:20 GMT

Everything points to the fact that was Mr Butt's agenda to shift the blame. Till the Lords test he was the main scapegoat and Salman Butt was a reasonably good captain under the circumstances. So old Butt decided to paint the younger one black, and dragged his two best bowlers into the mire as well. His choice of three main victims shows he isnt just selfish he is a traitor into the bargain. Salman was finally freeing his fine batting from the captaincy tangle and few could doubt his talent if nothing else. I truly believed he was the captain of the future, having the potential to be positive and cool throughout. As for Aamer and Asif, no arguments are required to praise their batting. Pakistan can still be saved if he fire the conniving Ijaz Butt and his underling Yawar Saeed right here and now!!!!

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 12:16 GMT

Reading through the replies to this article it seems clear that the majority of people completely concur with the author. I have kept an eye on the handling of Pakistan Cricket's affairs in recent times and it comes as absolutely no surprise that Ijaz Butt has come out with such insulting and unjustified remarks about the English side. It is just the latest in a long line of laughable actions taken by Butt. I'm sure the ECB will be able to shrug this off and move on without too much damage to their reputation. Unfortunately for Pakistani cricket fans, shrugging off Butt will undoubtedly be far more difficult.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 12:11 GMT

Ijaz butt himself is a senior fixer, he would have a share for all the bettings made

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 12:02 GMT

well said Malik Aftab Ahmed Awan....great example.

POSTED BY
Midnight_Blues
on | September 21, 2010, 11:54 GMT

I am amazed at the baseless and blatant attack on the integrity of cricketers with the statement made by the big butt. the writer is absolutely correct in his assessment of the comments, whereby Gul's heroics have been nullified. his statements are a direct image of the way our senior politicians always blame others and play the victim. as if, Pakistans current problems were not enough, this non-sensical ingrate has singlehandedly managed to alieante the team. to all the politicians of Pakistan, thankyou for ruining the game of the simple person who cherished the greens even through these trying times.

POSTED BY
Onedayer
on | September 21, 2010, 11:47 GMT

This is all becoming a joke!! ECB is riding along the popular propaganda path by the media...now the same media is being used to haunt them!! Malik Aftab's post seems to summarise a lot. Address the obvious first then point fingers later!

POSTED BY
leo787
on | September 21, 2010, 11:46 GMT

To everyone commenting against the stupidity of ijaz butt me too personally dont like him BUT why u guys are getting so excited PLEASE GO ON U TUBE and listen what Ijaz butt has said to english players for u guys i will write his words" THERE IS LOUD AND CLEAR VOICES IN BOOKIE CIRCLE THAT SOME OF ENGLISH PLAYERS LOST THE MATCH BY TAKING HUGE AMOUNT OF MONEY, WE WILL INVESTIGATE IT THROUGH OUR OWN INVESTIGATION PANEL AND WILL TELL THE OUTCOME VERY SOON" SO my dear mates english players and board cannot take any legal action against him because he never said that he personally thinks or believe that english players are involve (have u got my point). so folks he definately consulted legal people before giving his statement so the moral lesson of the story is never get excited by reading an article.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 11:45 GMT

Ijaz butt is the man for saying what he said. We all know this spot fixing against Pakistan is just a drama, so if they can act like evil actors so can we.

POSTED BY
RobertGibson
on | September 21, 2010, 11:43 GMT

Others have had their faces slapped. As an MCC member, at the start of this season I was really proud that the MCC had decided to spend our money on sponsoring the Pakistan vs Australia series under its Spirit of Cricket initiative. I have been involved in businesses in India and Pakistan. When we used to have gatherings with Indian and Pakistani colleagues, they embraced each other warmly on a personal level, with cricket always an essential 'glue'. Cricket - indeed sport - should be a force for good. It seemed to me entirely appropriate that the MCC should help, including financially, to keep Pakistan fully active as part of the cricketing community. I'm really sorry to say this, but I now just feel as though my pockets have been picked. Not so much by the original allegations against the players, depressing though they were, but by the conduct of the President of the Pakistan Cricket Board. With characters like him heading cricket boards, the Spirit of Cricket is doomed.

POSTED BY
Mr.Moody
on | September 21, 2010, 11:25 GMT

PCB has done what ECB+ICC did to pakistan by tainting pakistan with fixing allegations. british media has been trying to damage pakistani players repu since imran khan. it was not struass, anderson, swan or broad who beated pakistan in test but BIG MOUTH LIARS British media. they undermined pak players psychologically so much that pak lost their focus from cricket. british media+icc is still targetting pakistani players by saying they did fixing in 3rd ODI (which pakistan won comprehensively). thats why pcb had no other option but to say that there was no fixing in 3rd ODI at all or if it was fixed then it would be england who lost match. (because you can do fixings only to lose the game). Now England is playing a bizarre cricket once they feel psychologically down. England players must have realized how innocent pak players felt after false allegations.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 11:20 GMT

Strange. One very emotional person named Danish Bilal responded to my comments with an arrogant message at Facebook. Anyway, I had completed reading this article after posting my earlier comment and give a Thumbs Up to the writer. I'd like to quote a very important message conveyed above:

"Clarke heads the ICC's task force on bringing cricket back to Pakistan; he has pushed the idea of an international XI playing here. In September's Wisden Cricketer, Clarke writes knowledgeably and with some passion of the importance of international cricket returning to Pakistan. If a slap in the face was acceptable as a return for favours, then here is Butt's response".

Mr Danish Bilal (if you are reading this), whoever you are, please act like a civilized person and convey ur point like a mature person.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 11:19 GMT

Ijaz Butt have to go.We can't afford to keep him.He is moron.He is destroying our relation with cricketing world.Is any body listening.Time to save Pakistan Cricket.Guys help me to throw him for the sake of Pakistan and cricket.We don't have much time.i apologise to ECB on the behalf of Pakistani people you favor us.But due to this man Ijaz butt's attitude we r facing this.All cricket fans get ready n contact me.We will arrange demonstration agst PCB.Our president othr moron is busy in looting country and have no time to see this evil.

POSTED BY
RashidMahmood
on | September 21, 2010, 10:56 GMT

Ijaz butt is an idiot, no doubt about it. I absolutely agree with your thoughts about ICC's incapability of handling of 3rd ODI allegations.
You have gone beyond belief parsing ECB chairman Giles Clarke to show how much effort he has put in to restore cricket in Pakistan, providing them with own soil to play cricket. I appreciated what is has done.
But please let's not forgot about financial advantage ECB has had from Pak v Aus series. He is ICC cricket task force chairman and he is duty bound to make efforts to restore cricket in Pakistan. Let's not forgot "innocent until proven guilty". Giles refused to shake hand with Muhammad Amir who was Pakistan man of the series in tests. That's mean we can question he impartiality.
Why Pakistan all the time? They lose, they have fixed it, they win and they fixed it. I think it's more than what we are seeing and beyond common sense. I hope my comments will got published

POSTED BY
Timmuh
on | September 21, 2010, 10:56 GMT

Possibly the most interesting part of Mr Butt's tirade was "There is loud and clear talk in bookie circles that some English players have taken enormous amounts of money to lose the match [the third ODI]. No wonder there was such a collapse."
I'm sure serious questions will be asked about he knows what is being said in those circles, and how close his association is. It could easily be perceived getting dangerously close to an admission of a close relationship with some of that circle. But investigations must take place before any guilt is laid, and the News of the World's other sporting corruption sting - in snooker - was found wanting in some respects. Whatever happens, and however big a cleanout (if any) proves required, Pakistan must remain a part of international cricket.

POSTED BY
IAJpak
on | September 21, 2010, 10:16 GMT

Mr butt, we must clean our own house first. Is some one in the board also involved?? NO?? then we must educate the players accordingly. Yes?? then cleaning is required in house. Kanaria trapped first as he was not from the group and could have voiced concern (later cleared by county) forcefully selected and later sent back from the dressing room so that every thing is done in a smooth way???
Selectors forced to select a team from one place and not a representative side gives every evidence that someone in the board knew all this and is involved. Please don't take M.Speed or Sir Ian Botham's claim of banning Pakistan negatively. See to it if this can help us or not. I Guess some thing is wrong somewhere in our running the board affairs and the fixers have penetrated in the board as well.

POSTED BY
hamzabilal08
on | September 21, 2010, 10:06 GMT

After reading comment from people, I can proudly say we Pakistani are the best slaves the world have ever produce. Even after 60 years of freedom from our former rulers and Lords, we still worry about hurting their feelings. I even see one comment about apologizing to ECB. Have ECB ever apologize to us when they blame Pakistani cricketers for ball tempering in 1992. Have they ever apologize to us when they blame Inzimam for ball tempering. Even though their own bowlers are doing reverse swing. Ijaz Butt is the worst administrator ever, but I thing the only good thing he has done is making that statement. There is a conspiracy against Pakistani for long time, and now all these culprits are getting pay mouthful by India. ICC is getting paid by Indian to hurt Pakistani cricket. I can understand if no team is coming to Pakistan because of security, but why can Pakistan play IPL and Champions league. There have been bad administration in other countries too, but they don't get ban like that

POSTED BY
JawadSyed
on | September 21, 2010, 9:57 GMT

Ijaz Butt's comments were stupid and uncalled for, to say the least. But let's critically analyze everything else going on around Pakistan cricket. I totally agree that PCB is mishandling the situation, but that does not make the English media and the ICC right. Pakistan is already the bad guy - even before anything is proved. Whatever be the reason for such action, the result is evident. Give the opponent a psychological blow off field then go and concur them on field. The English team would have planned to win the series 5-0, had it not been for the great fight back put up by the cornered lions.
I am pretty sure that if all these allegations against Pakistan are proven wrong, the PCB would not have the courage to ask for an apology from the ICC, the ECB or even the NOTW (and company). The players have gone through hell even before anything is proved. PCB should be the one calling to suspend the series till all inquiries are over.

POSTED BY
MFNadeem
on | September 21, 2010, 9:48 GMT

Dear Osman: I waited for your articles when Pakistani team was accused of match fixing. But you didn't write anything.
I am not a big fan of Ijaz Butt and I wanted him to resign when SL team was attacked. But he is trying to make a point here which the whole WORLD MEDIA, including you, are trying to use against him. He didn't say that England team fixed the match, he is saying that there is a talk in bookie circles. What to make of it???
Why don't you write an article against Haroon Lorgat who made an extremely immature statement which sparked this whole issue?
When Danish Kaneria was alleged of spot-fixing, the whole media was going frenzic, but when he was proved guilty, I didn't see any single article on that. WHY???

POSTED BY
Taz786
on | September 21, 2010, 9:48 GMT

Butt hasn't considered the bigger picture. He should have been thanking the ECB for allowing the PCB to host and make a profit from the Aussie games, instead he insults them. Although the ECB would have made a killing on a India Vs Pakistan Test, ODI and T20 series here in the UK last year, it's money they would rather do without if this is the thanks they are going to get for all the help they have given to the PCB and Pakistan Cricket.

Butt should apologise publically to the ECB and the England Cricket Team, it may not save the neutral series next year, but it would go some way in beginning to build some of the bridges that need to be rebuilt between these two teams.

ECB you tried to help this lot, but they couldn't help themselves, thank you for trying.

POSTED BY
Something_Witty
on | September 21, 2010, 9:47 GMT

I honestly wouldn't be surprised if the poms were on the take. Andrew Strauss has proven to be a very dishonest person and a poor sport, and Broad, well... do I even need to elaborate?

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 9:35 GMT

We as a nation will like to send apologizes to the ECB on the outburst of our so called PCB chief executive. According to me he does not represents our nation and thus is not the voice of our whole nation. I can well understand that whole of Pakistan is disturbed by the allegation on our players, And so is the English Nation.
What Ijaz Butt's comments has done good is that it has made the others feel how it feels when false allegations are put on you. I guess this is what Ijaz Butt really wanted.Now he should accept that he just wanted to teach the English nation a lesson and he was wrong.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 9:09 GMT

Wel Mr Sami i cant digest pakistan wins that easily there got to b somethng ffishy a team in total command of game losses so convincingly is that easy to go down the throat if ICC can jump into investigation mode once a newspaper publishes a report then why arent they doin it against england now its not abt good host or abt a good frnd bt crckt nd u knw this all is a fake drama against us nd u dun dare to write about it caz it might not get as apericaition as if u write in favor wil do

POSTED BY
KaZsa
on | September 21, 2010, 8:51 GMT

This is really foolish on the part of Butt.Feels really sad for the fellow Pakistanis.They need a proper leader in this tough situation, but what they have is a man of incompetency to put it lightly.I agree with the fact that media is making a too bigger scene out of this.I am not totally denying the fact that there is some kind of ill-treating towards Pakistan at the moment.This is the time we as cricket lovers need to help Pakistanis to overcome their tough times.But this BUTT is making it really difficult to help them.Pakistan really needs a proper leader to get the side on track.

POSTED BY
CricPatriot
on | September 21, 2010, 8:45 GMT

The PCB chief's statements attacking English Players without the given proofs is a shame and regrettable. Pakistan is struggling at all fronts, Floods, Corruption Charges on the government and on cricketers etc. We need friends not more enemies. PCB Chief should be ashamed of his act by putting Pakistan and the whole nation into this turmoil. I request Pakistani President to terminate services of His Excellency Mr. Ijaz Butt with immediate effect and appoint someone who has the vision to resolve the PCB and Cricketers issues and uplift the image of Pakistan at least at the Cricket front. I apologies from all who are effected from the disgusting remarks of our so called PCB Chairman. I request ICC to evaluate the current scenario in a positive manner and try to exert their energies for resolving the issue instead of highlighting and protrusion it, as they carry the substantial blame for the current kiosk created in the cricket world. Hope for the best.

POSTED BY
Marcio
on | September 21, 2010, 8:36 GMT

Those English cricketers sure are dumb. I mean, going and accepting bribes at the height of a corruption scandal. And how did those bookies get to them? They must be e-media geniuses! Who ever would have thought of it!

Seriously, this nonsense is dumber than selling ice-cream in the Antarctic. But I know the mentality all too well, living in China. Tit-for-tat is the standard response for any loss of face in China, and the government actually uses it as standard policy - it goes all the way to the top. All I can say is thank God for Protestant guilt. There has to be at least one civilisation in the world willing to admit it when they do something wrong.

POSTED BY
U.A.1985
on | September 21, 2010, 8:34 GMT

Osman - Just imagine yourself to be in the shoes of Pakistani players. Just think how would it feel after earning a deserving win at Oval some1 comes at you and says there was some fixing. It is just like you come out of an examination room doing really well in your paper becuase u studied for it. But the next thing you hear from a passerby in front of all your colleagues is that "u cheated in the exam", how would u feel?

I think Mr. Butt's comments only served to increase confidence of our players; to let them no there is a caring hand behind them and that they are not alone.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 8:12 GMT

I can't understand what PCB Chairman Mr Big BUTT tried to say, accusing ECB who is among the few supporters of PCB & is helping PCB to revive International Cricket in Pakistan. ECB is also not directly involved in fixing controversy, its ICC & English newspapers that are involved then why pointing ECB???? I think he is... INSANE (sathya gai hain) .

POSTED BY
Balouchi
on | September 21, 2010, 8:09 GMT

great artical Osman, the basic problem is that we dont have a leader who can speak out our voice ( the voice of nation ) or who can fight for us.
It is not a new story in england, when ever pakistan team toured to england or australia, the media always tried to put pressure on our cricketers but in past we had powerfull management like Arif Abbasi, or Noor Khan, but now we have political so offcourse they only do care of thier self interest.
beside that we had clean and strong players also, like Imran khan, javed Miandad, Zaheer abbas, but now we have who are getting place in team bcoz of the personal relations.
we need profesional, not the political peoples to run the board.
i remember when botham blamed on imran and imran gave him propper lesson since that never any one raised finger on Imran, so we need strong management and strong team players

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 7:58 GMT

Typical Pakistani behavior. Not admitting their own faults but attacking anyone who points the finger at them.

POSTED BY
WRahman
on | September 21, 2010, 7:55 GMT

I completely agree with Ijaz Butts statement. In a Era where, one day a tabloid wakes up and states a baseless news and every1 starts to point finger on the basis of that news, reaction is justified. Even i can make better video than News of the World.

The attitude of ICC is biased and that cannot be tolerated any more.

And if any team had fixed the 3rd ODI, it was the english team.

Ijaz butt has hit them where it hurts the most and how badly it has hurt them. You can see that from the type of questions that were asked after toss.

Finally, Finally, Ijaz Butt does something correct.

POSTED BY
ahsha
on | September 21, 2010, 7:55 GMT

This is Terrible!!!Ban Pakistan Cricket from international cricket.Ban Pakistani cricketers from playing any cricket internationally-they would match fix beach cricket.Invite other countries to join the top cricket scene.Ireland and The Netherlands have earned the opportunity.Abandon Pakistan.The Cricket world
does not need Pakistan.

POSTED BY
Happy_AusBang
on | September 21, 2010, 7:35 GMT

If Butt had blasted the ICC for the way they handled this matter I would have nothing to say. But Butt (pardon the pun) threw mud at the English players without any proof other than he had heard something somewhere. If he knew of anything about certain English players he should have taken it up through proper channels or spoken to the media (the British media would have loved it) and he would have achieved his objective. Butt just throwing mud in the hope that some of it will stick is unbecoming of a man in his position. By doing what he did, it gives the impression that he is condoning the possible spot fixing by some Pak cricketers; and that is a shame! Or he could have waited for his own (dubious) investigation to be over and released the findings to the world. What he has managed to do is keep the focus squarely on Pak cricket and no one is talking of the disgraceful way in which ICC behaved. This man is a blight on cricket and should be shown the door at the earliest.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 7:29 GMT

i'm really happy to see gutsy response from Ijaz Butt.. the ultimate hero..

POSTED BY
Morpheus100
on | September 21, 2010, 7:21 GMT

Osman

i beleive you have sold your soul to the devil

here is how

i didn't see anything from you when the second round of allegations came from the media and the icc for the third odi
you have singled out one person to taken out your anger
and it seems you were waiting for it

yes there are bad apples in the every team and even in the boards and umpire circles

BUT is it right to punish the whole team for that?

until now there is nothing offiial i have seen from the so called "investigation"
even the main culprit is out on bail while others are back in pakistan

three weeks have passd
it is not a murder investigation
prove it, punish them and get on with it

but no
they want to drag it as much as it can
just like countires do to milign muslms all over the world
be it 911 (jews), mumbai attacks(RSS( etc
in the end we always find it to be others

so please ink what is right and refrain from taking any sides

POSTED BY
iamgroot
on | September 21, 2010, 7:15 GMT

I am really surprised that Mr.Butty of jokes has found some admirers in the comments posted here. It is rather foolish after seeing videos on the news
channels.World is not blind Mr.Butty REMEMBER ICC didn't take those steps based on some newspaper article. When a video showing pakistani cricketers taking
money and talking about fixing any SANE person will understand that they are in DEEP trouble. Investigations are going on and let the truth come out. It is
not ECB or players that attacked PCB. It is their own stupidity for which they have to pay the price. I wish Imran Khan becomes PCB chairman to clean up this
entire mess that Butt of jokes created. Show the world a video where england players are caught taking money untill then u cant blame them so DONT TALK
RUBBISH MR.BUTT OF JOKES..what more!Mr.Butty knows what bookies are talking. How does he know? Is he the real bookie? not Majeed? Mr.Osman you have written an excellent article. Pakistan kick out the Mr.butty the putty.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 7:15 GMT

Mr. Ijaz Butt..."The King of Comedy"!!

POSTED BY
Khuram76
on | September 21, 2010, 7:13 GMT

Ijaz Butt is a clown but i think he has done the right thing by telling all those who trying to shut Pakistan cricket down to back off. The point he made that THE collapes of england team should be investigated as every thing related to Pakistan team needs to investigated.
I think Pakistan proved themselves in the ground again last night, and slpaped all those who trying to shut Pak down accross the face.
To Ian Botham (who is still bitter since he got smashed by Imran Khan every time he opened his mouth) who called to ban Pakistan. SIR Botham i think you have lost your mind, you want to ban 1 out 8 test playing nations, it took cricket 150 years to to come up with 8 countries and you want to ban the team who has been providing the most exciting criketers cricket has ever produced. You are forgetting Reverse swing, Doosra, Exceptional fast bowling of all times.

POSTED BY
khurramsch
on | September 21, 2010, 6:58 GMT

about BUTT; he SHOULDNT have said anything like that. if he has some proofs just gv to icc or pass to media instead of saying himself. & without proof saying ths type of thngs at this level are unacceptabl. this will cause more problms to pak cricket(repo, nuetral venue, cricket bck in pak). agree about Clarks's efforts for pak cricket.
ABOUT ICC: surely icc didnt act reponsibly in ths mater this tym. now by doing this thy hve set a new rule to investgat on newspaper gosips. Thy SHOULD have investigate 1st & then public it. & tel PCB & ECB 1st.

& ICC is delaying everything. the more thy delay these investigations more problems occur. 1st alegations published 27 aug. should have ben an outcome until now. THE MORE THEY WIL DELAY _ THE MORE TROUBLE IT WIL CAUSE.
ICC should act fast and corectly now. just find fast if they r guilty r not

POSTED BY
Jim1207
on | September 21, 2010, 6:55 GMT

I think British tabloids are really making things worse and plays equal role as Ijaz Butt and bookmakers do. They make issues out of everything when Pak team comes. People like Daryl Hair also add fuel to the fire. And, generally Pak fans would feel bad every time an issue is made out without much proof like England team feels now, except in the case of NOTW now. ICC must not have publicized Sun tabloids' investigations. These guys need to keep right things known publicly and have to do some things in secret, that should be the work of Anti Corruption Unit. When they make every issue public, they look biased. Also, these tabloids need to be taught some lesson too, they make themselves cheap Britain and united boredom.

POSTED BY
ROLAYH
on | September 21, 2010, 6:53 GMT

Harooon Logart and Ijaz Butt are useless administrators. One is irresponsible and other is too old to handle the challenging requirements of a board's president. Both have one attribute in common, they don't know what they are saying, both don't know what the consequences might be.... Haroon Logart couldn't inform PCB of the investigations because Ijaz Butt's cell phone was not responding, how ridiculous was that. Ijaz Butt on the other side has made the most favorable board (ECB) Pakistan's enemy number 1 after his unnecessary and baseless burst of words... Both should be sacked immediately and should be replaced with competent, diplomats.

POSTED BY
Jim1207
on | September 21, 2010, 6:47 GMT

I have to tell that the respect I had for Pakistan cricket fans have increased infinitely. It's nice to see how Pak fans take the matter in right stead (forget the odd exceptions) and come out with numerous quotes that amazed me. I think all things they see in everyday life in every form makes them strong in character and amazing in coming out of defeats and issues better. The same is reflected in Pak Cricket team and this is the reason they win matches when everyone would write them off, it happens again and again. It's the same reason why we need Pak's character in Int'l Cricket! Only one thing needs to happen now. All Pak players need to be Pure from now onwards, forget about the past, forget about the Butts. If they can be so, Cricket there would survive. As Roebuck said, Pak cricket is in hands of their players. Administration is never going to do one good thing, when Butts are made as Heads, what would you expect? Wait, we can never think that it cant get any more worse, can we?

POSTED BY
Jaggadaaku
on | September 21, 2010, 6:39 GMT

This is third time I mentioned that the matter of fixing of the no-ball was minor and English media and the ICC made it a way bigger. They want to trap the muslim bookie, and they did. I am not saying S.Butt, Amir, and Asif are not guilty. But they did not sell the whole game. And I am sure, if this incident hadn't have expose, they might sell the whole game in future if that bookie would offer them because that bookie always travels with the Pakistan team everywhere and some Pakistani cricketers have strong and friendly bonds with him. But that is the future's matter. Right now they did not make that big mistake as H.Cronje, A.Jadeja, M.Azhar, and S.Malik made. Life time ban for this small mistake is ridiculous. And moreover, S. Butt shouldn't go for sue because he and his couple of bowlers made mistake, and got the money from that bookie, which is already proved. "When the dog's tail is got under the elephant's foot, the dog shouldn't pull it hard, but very carefully, bring it out."

POSTED BY
van_hauz
on | September 21, 2010, 6:28 GMT

@ADB1
Let me clarify that the sub-continent that I was referring to in my comment to andrew_schulz was the ASIAN sub-continent. Pakistan is not a sub-continent. I meant that he shouldn't tar the other countries that form the ASIAN SUB-CONTINENT (heard of Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal etc.?) with the same brush as the one he's using for Pakistan.
Am I making any sense to you? Do I need to get Cricinfo's French Cut team to draw it out for you with simple stick figures so you understand? Should Andy Zaltzman tell it to you in an analogy related to confectionery? Will that help you get my point?

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 6:27 GMT

IJAZ BUTT has done a tremendous job...i love the way he respond to match fixing allegation.. ECB always make fun of PCB.. in 2006 as well as in 2010.. but MR BUTT has equalized everything... GOD BLESS YOU IJAZ BUTT..
>>>>PAK snatched WORLDCUP from Eng in 1992...<<<<<lov ya

POSTED BY
RookieLankan
on | September 21, 2010, 6:26 GMT

England should have taken bribe the entire team. They thrashed pakistan in the test series, Pakistan couldn't get to scores of 270 in total from two innings now they can get there without loosing many wickets in 50 overs.

And they had Mohamed Asif, Mohamed Amir as opening bowlers and yet they couldn't win, but not pakistan seems to be able to win.

Pakistan shouldn't abandon this ridiculous tour go home and start preparing for the next world cup.

If i am right it was englands plan to get these players suspended from the ODI leg of the tour and that too must have been a bet,
WHATS THE BET, I WILL GET MOHAMED AMIR, MOHAMED ASIF AND SALMAN BUTT KICKED OUT OF THE TEAM.. lol

ABSURD

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 6:20 GMT

the biggest conspirator to eliminate pakistan from world cricket is Mr. Butt. who is unknowingly helping ICC and British tabloids...I wont say we have made another enemy but we have certainly lost a friend who was willing to help us ... We shoud ve behaved like good guests...

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 6:18 GMT

IJAZ BUTT ROCKSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!! He is THE MAAAANNNNNNNNN... he smashed everyone over there who are making fun of Pakistani players and board... now england team should have analyzed that what is the meaning of match fixing allegations...and how to play after the allegations... IJAZ BUTT has took the best stance of his entire life.. GOD Bless you..

POSTED BY
vswami
on | September 21, 2010, 5:59 GMT

Why is the Trott - Riaz confrontation being swept under the carpet ? Is it because Trott was the one who caught Riaz by the throat ? People have been banned for far less than that. If Riaz had caight Trott by the throat, guess what .. Strauss and Flower would have been out in the media asking for Riaz to be banned for life. Jeff Crowe would have obliged as well.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 5:56 GMT

Mr. Butt have to be admitted in metal hospital in ICU. he got mad.

he doesn't know what to say, he doesn't even know his well wishers and friends.
he got screwed up totally as he is too old. get him to mental hospital ASAP.

I pray that may Allah get Pakistani people some sense to select the better people other than the corrupt politicians and it's burros like Mr. Butt and company....

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 5:54 GMT

I dont know why are people only blaming Ejaz Butt?????????
Why not blaming Stupid ICC who started investigating on a Newspaper report........
7 runs of the 39th and 40th over.. Afridi getting out in an extra-ordinary fashion.
Is it enough to start investigating......
If it is....
Then ICC should also look into 49th and 50th over of pakistan innings in 4th ODI,where anderson and bresnan produced 42 runs..
ICC should also look into the fact the England were 113 - 0 and were out bowled for 227-10.. it means first wicket 113 runs, and other 10 for 114 runs....
If Afridi's honesty can be challenged saying that he dragged the ball into stumps, to get him run out. so why not ask DAVIES , TROTT and YARDY who also drag the ball on to stumps to get them bowled.....

POSTED BY
ahash04
on | September 21, 2010, 5:53 GMT

Mr. Usman .......by writting in the website of an indian site doesnt mean that we should change our loyalties. We knwo what the media is, we know what the ECB are. look in past you are forgetting proven facts & conspiracy against Pakistan by ICC & ECB, and now the boss of all of this game is INDIAN banyaa. Do you think tht its a single alone act by the newspaper...aahhhhh....ECB has not cotinued this tour bcz of cricket or ICC or Pakistan but to escape the losses. Who are sitting in the ICC heads, indians, just look at the elite of ICC these days...all indian, they had waited for this opportunity and fully utilised it. They deserve this treatment, if you go on back foot you will b clean bowled, must b positve n on front foot, English players r not GODs. Now the PCB needs to stand firm on its ground and give solid evidence and if not then its a good punch to all this game makers, now their is panic in their own boots.

POSTED BY
Farce-Follower
on | September 21, 2010, 5:33 GMT

What has England done to deserve such humiliation from the Pakistanis? Even today 99% of Pakistani fans are convinced that their Cricketers are clean and even visual evidence is damned. Probably even Shahid Afrid biting into the ball and scruffing the pitch is a zionist conspiracy.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 5:10 GMT

Sorry mr. osman for a chage i disagree with u ,i think ijaz butt has taken the frist right step since he became the chairman, self respect is more than bringing cricket back to pakistan. England is soo desperate to harm pakistan cricket they saw amir bamboozoling them & hence charged him & icc run by cowards suspended them even when the charges are not proved.Now they should realise how it feels to be under scanner.Well done butt....

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 4:50 GMT

In the 25th over of the English innings, when Trot got out, there were still 25 overs left in the match, England had 8 wickets in hand and asking rate was well below 6 runs. An English commentator perhaps David Gower said " It would be very difficult for England to win this match from here. Pakistan are likely to win this match from here onwards" And of course Pakistan won the match as predicted. It seems that commentator was well aware of the "broad scoring patterns" and the "bowling pattern" as well, well before the result and his predictions proved exact. Should we conclude that the match was fixed and commentator was privy to that information. No. this was the comment of an expert who understands the game perfectly well. Only this example is enough to show the baselessness of the allegations of English media.

POSTED BY
mps400
on | September 21, 2010, 4:37 GMT

Mr. Butt needs to resign immediately. He has proven to be an unworthy partner for the benefit of fair cricket and lobbed incendiary and, most importantly, unsubstantiated remarks on the English players to deflect blame. If this were not so damaging, as shown by the ECB's conclusion never to host Pakistan neutral series again, it would be funny, even comical. If he represents the reformed head of a cleaned-up Pakistan, I am sorry to state that I will never be watching that team again and will do all that I can to ensure that the team is not part of any further international tournaments. Of course some may take this as Pakistan bashing, but believe me it is not. I would like nothing more than to see Pakistan rise to its potential and represent the test playing nations; but, no, not like this, and not under this buffoon.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 4:36 GMT

Butt's remarks are foolish and unbecoming of a board chairman. Throughout the the crises around Pakistan team, English board maintained a dignified stance and allowed cricket to go on.He has spoiled all that. He should have limited himself to the attitude of the media which indeed has targeted Pakistan team unfairly but to attack English Board and players is dumb and speaks volumes of his lack of ability to run affairs of cricket in Pakistan.

POSTED BY
Hamid1
on | September 21, 2010, 4:06 GMT

I think this was a conspiracy on the part of Pakistan. First Ijaz Butt with his allegation reduced the morale of the English team as a whole. Then Wahab Riaz altercates with Trott (possibly the top English batsman) to rattle him. Resulting in a Pak Victory.
I think Pak is learning very well from Australia how to psychologically down your opponent and cakewalk them on the field thereafter!

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 3:50 GMT

I've not yet read the complete article, but I want to compliment you for the opening sentence. That's exactly what I've been telling my friends about this new episode, that 'Ijaz Butt is not a tabloid'. He's the Chairman PCB and his statements will have different impact as compared to accusation made by any newspaper. Having said that, he should not have said anything like when he does not have a proof. NOTW broke that story with proofs, otherwise they would have been in hot waters.
Mr Butt is an enemy of Pakistan cricket. Full stop!

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 3:37 GMT

Who the hell is Ijaz Butt , the face of the PCB, the ultimate authority of Pakistan's Cricket, to say something so stupid?
Come on, i mean is he insane? English players should be laughing and making jokes about this Butt. And all the pakistan cricketers and English players and ICC should definitely sue the hell out of him!!! He has done enough!! if our President of Pakistan can't do anything about it then it must come from our common people.
I can't say anything else about this non-sense from Butt. No respect for him whatsoever.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 3:28 GMT

I doubted if people read This article carefully and see what's else in this article apart IJAZ BUTT AND HIS COMMENTS..There is something else going on, i mean why is pakistan being targeted?. "IT"S CONSPIRACY AGAINST PAKISTAN CRICKET TEAM".Its silly to read that In today's AGE ICC failed to contact MR IJAZ..

POSTED BY
ironmonkey
on | September 21, 2010, 3:11 GMT

Surely there is an authority in Pakistan that can force Ijaz Butt to step down. His ineptitude and churlishness has wrought havoc for Pakistan's future as a cricketing nation.

Also, the more important issue of whether these three players are actually guilty seems to have been slipped under the carpet. The media, and this includes Cricinfo, have all but forgotten that.

POSTED BY
atif1977
on | September 21, 2010, 3:00 GMT

Nice censoring going on cricinfo! Only post the negatives right? Don't even mention what cheats the brits and their tabloids are

POSTED BY
HasanMobeen
on | September 21, 2010, 2:54 GMT

Ijaz Butt is making mockery of Pakistan cricket in world... He defended his own players... I agree and I liked it... but why involving English players in that... when u know that England supported Pakistan in the time of need and Mr. Giles Clarke still supported and worked for idea of cricket in Pakistan... Mr. Butt should be kicked on his butt and thrown away from Pakistan cricket... He is a fool... I remember his one statement when he openly said that no Pakistan team will take part in Champion's league just because Shaoib Malik's team won that time and he didnt like Shoaib Malik then but when Champion's league schedule was published then he complained Indian board about why no Pakistan team is there... He is such a fool... and a ill looked and ill minded person.. Should not be given any key post at any level...

POSTED BY
asim229
on | September 21, 2010, 2:51 GMT

I agree that ijaz butt has handled this situation little wrong but Mr. Osman giving someone their homegrounds as a neutral venue doesn't mean that they have also purchased the pakistani team and they can kick on their back whenever they want. Isn't it a double standard that ICC suspened's pakistani players without them proving guilty and only on a basis of a useless article in the newspaper but no one can listen to a single word against english players. the problem with the pakistani's is that instead of supporting each iin hard times they make life even more miserable to their people. I still remember that how Ranatunga supported Murlidharan when he was accused of throwing and because of the support of his own people noone could say anything to him after that.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 2:44 GMT

Being a Pakistani, I absolutely agree with England. Ijaz Butt has shown again and again how incompetent the PCB is in handling all its affairs, from winning the player's confidence to going on a impulsive attacks on international teams.

ECB, please sue the guy to oblivion.

POSTED BY
balajik1968
on | September 21, 2010, 2:41 GMT

I don't understand why Butt is trying to destroy Umar Gul's credibility. 4 wickets in a LOI is considered fantastic, and he has taken 6. Now Butt suggests the English threw away their wickets. Poor Umar Gul. Now Ijaz Butt has backtracked. Sure the English press is hostile, but the ECB have been very accomodative to Pakistan. At this rate, the PCB will be left friendless in the cricket world. A shame really, considering that Pakistan are fighting back beautifully.They have a good bowling attack. They need matchplay, and thanks to Butt, they may not get it.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 2:17 GMT

BTW, that noball called off Umar gul was weird...You guys think the umpired fixed that one:P:P.........JUST KIDDING.

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 2:15 GMT

On behalf of majority of the Pakistani cricketing fan,id like o apologize to the English cricketers and fans.Our board is run by an idiot who is politically appointment and he is hated by the media, by cricket fans, by other ex-players and all for the right reason.He is totally inept and i think Pak cricket will truly be on track once this idiot isnt there on top anymore. I do hope he is sued, and has to pay it out of his own pocket, maybe we will get rid of him finally.

As much as i sympathize with Strauss,i think it should also show other fans that mere allegations can be hard to cope with, after the 3rd odi our players were totally shattered, they had just pulled of an amazing come back and then they had to deal with those nonsense allegations...this is mostly a newteam, and i reallydoubt the authencity of those allgations.However, ICC was responsible of making a mess in that case, not ECB, so Ijaz butt was definately wrong in pointing his criticism there...

POSTED BY
Waqar_Hassan
on | September 21, 2010, 1:58 GMT

Mr. Butt has lost his sense of understanding on cricket and sense of direction for PCB. I doubt he discuss with anyone in the PCB before his interview.... I think he is following the footsteps of Mr. Zardari. President is running the country without sense of direction and in total mess so Mr. Butt want to run the PCB in a similar fashion.
Ideally Imran Khan should step in and become the PCB Chairman or Rameez Raja should become the PCB Chairman. They atleast have some sense and they are respected all around the world unlike Mr. Butt.

POSTED BY
rawnanamsu
on | September 21, 2010, 1:50 GMT

Osman,you are bang-on!This clown (Ijaz Butt) should be fired right away. I have spent the last 34 years in Canada and re-commenced being a cricket fanatic in the last 6 years. It is such a travesty of justice to see Pakistan cricket in such turmoil. I wonder if there is any hope left, corruption is the biggest debacle to progress in Pakistan. Politics shouldbe totally eradicated from sport. Perhaps this is a very idealistic and utopian point of view. One thing for sure, Ijaz's butt should be kicked out of cricket and new blood brought in. Lastly, I know some Pak cricketers deserve punishment, however, players like Stuart Broad and Jonathan Trott should also be punished for their behaviour. Their behaviour is not a carte blanche to act as they please and lets hope cricket gets back to normal. As to the bookies and gambling, it should be banned from the sport. Prime example would be "Pete Rose", one of the greatest baseball players banished for life. Cricket should pick this up from bas

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 1:47 GMT

I think when Shoaib Akhtar went to media he was fined and suspended for being loud and outspoken. Fair enough. What about Ijaz Butt? Those comments were not ON.

Will he be suspended? I don't think so, he has good contacts. One thing I must agree with Osman, this probably is the worst administration ever.

POSTED BY
kaiser1
on | September 21, 2010, 1:16 GMT

Everything is right about your article and Mr Butt, whatever you say. But what about the haste with which ICC launched the investigation into our win on the hint of a newspaper without prior notice to PCB. Mr Butt could have gone after ICC and tabloid to counter the accusations and revitalise the bruised Pakistan side but he chose the wrong target, which is silly on his part. What about the suspension of 3 players without guilty verdict out of investigation, and the BIGGER statement on CRICINFO {CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD BOOK MAKERS} made me laugh, didn't it hit you Mr Osman Samiuddin? ICC has no control over bookies and is concerned about the losses of bookies and not concerned about the damage done to National Cricket Board and Cricket team of its own elite member country.

POSTED BY
Bone101
on | September 21, 2010, 0:58 GMT

I feel sorry for the proud people of Pakistan for having to endure a life under such terrible administrators and politicians. This game they play of shifting responsibility and blaming external parties for their own short-comings is horrendous. It's right that the people of Pakistan be angry about this. Please note though, it's nobody else's fault - I think it's right to say that the rest of the world supports you and wishes you well. This nonsense about 'bias' or 'misgivings' against Pakistan (or for that matter any other sub-continent team) is ridiculous and must end.

POSTED BY
smalishah84
on | September 21, 2010, 0:55 GMT

One of the saner voices in world cricket Osman. I wonder where were you for so long during all this spot-fixing affair??? You need to churn out more articles in the near future to make up for lost time :)..........you echo the sentiments of Pakistani fans

POSTED BY
on | September 21, 2010, 0:46 GMT

Everytime I think PCB has hit rock bottom, they manage to find a new low. I think English Cricket showed some real class by letting the tour continue.

In the thick of things, they were able to differentiate between the team and their imbecile administrator. Lesson for all Pakistanis as stated by Osman...retaliation, if you feel you've been genuinely wronged, can be justified and useful. But a basic minimum requirement is to identify the correct target!!

POSTED BY
leo787
on | September 21, 2010, 0:26 GMT

osman u was one of my favourite writers on cricinfo but I am disappionted by this pathetically written so called article, mate u wana be white dont worry no matter what u do mate u will remain the same what u are so stop sucking up to english board and media it wont help u..... u proved u are on there payrole i will never respect u again..... i know maybe that dosent matter to u but one day it will... trust me.... I am hurt.... I am bieng honest.

POSTED BY
Drew2
on | September 21, 2010, 0:26 GMT

Very good article Osman Samiuddin. Ijaz Butt may have done everyone a favor and caused his own demise. Pakistan cricket needs strong leadership to climb out of the hole, not this irrational behaviour.
...and Danish Bilal, are you a close relative of Ijaz Butt???

POSTED BY
Damageinc
on | September 21, 2010, 0:23 GMT

You may not like what i am going to say but Osman i have to say that you are clearly not a good Representative of Pakistan and Pakistani cricket, you have always been taking side of your masters,Ijaz Butt must go, but you should also vacate your seat for another person who is slightly more loyal to his country.

POSTED BY
Imran-74
on | September 21, 2010, 0:20 GMT

Oh my God, Butt don't know what a damage he does to Pakistan cricket. In his regeam Pkistan cricket did not achieve any thing, and loosing consistancely. but his boss is same like him.He is damegeing pakistan. For God sake get rid of them.

POSTED BY
dumaaas
on | September 21, 2010, 0:01 GMT

It will be the result of the worst administration ever to have run cricket in this land. It is not only limited to cricket. The whole country is being run by the worst administration ever. God help Pakistan.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 23:59 GMT

the remaining message was for Down_Under for his great indian media

POSTED BY
Lahori_Munde
on | September 20, 2010, 23:49 GMT

Very well written Osman. I thought ImranKhan summed up very well when he said there is chaos in every front of life in Pakistan. Comprehensively failed system and corrupt people. And such failures is being reflected in major issues at the international level……….. Back in 2009, I was in Pakistan for a month on business. And I just can't believe the propaganda being fed to the Pakistani people by their media. . Watching TV in my hotel room-if I recall the name correctly, it was a person named Zaid Hamid on some TV show blatantly talking total trash with passion and blaming other countries for every failure in Pakistan. I can't belive TV channels are giving such shady individual an opportunity to mislead their countrymen. I really felt for the commoner in Pakistan.. Denial means failure

POSTED BY
ADB1
on | September 20, 2010, 23:44 GMT

@ van_hauz "It's wise to steer clear of tarring a whole subcontinent with one brush."

Is it? Let's look at Pakistan: a President known as Mr 10%, cricketers on the take, large scale postal ballot fraud by Pakistani immigrants in the UK - is there a theme here? And the response - from the Pakistani High Commisioner to the UK, the PCB Chairman, and about 90% of Pak fans on these boards - is to adopt a siege mentality and blame everyone else. No wonder Pakistan is in the mess it is.

POSTED BY
AH_USA
on | September 20, 2010, 23:29 GMT

Ijaz Butt is the brother-in-law of the defence minister who is also a prominent leader of the political party that the corrupt and incompetent preseident of Pakistan, Zardari, heads. And because the president also appoints the chairperson of the PCB, there lies the reason why an inept individual like Butt is heading the PCB. No surprise that just like the country is being run without any direction, the cricket department is reflecting the same lack of leadership and direction. Imran Khan was absolutely right in his analysis about how the current cricket crises reflets the turmoil in the country.
As much as I was annoyed with the ICC on its handling of the allegations on the 3rd ODI, it was absolutely stupid of Butt to level allegations against the ECB. But again, he is the same egotistic individual who has kept Younis Khan out of team because unlike the others Younis did not bow to him and went to the court against PCB's unjust sanctions and won the case.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 23:01 GMT

Ijaz Butt has lost touch with reality. It's about time PM Gillani stepped in and made some changes at the PCB. Pakistan have already bought the game of cricket into disrepute, through this current alleged "spot fixing" and the walk-off against England a few years ago. Enough is enough. I am quickly losing interest in professional cricket.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 22:51 GMT

@Down_Under, what in the name of Don Bradman does a failed political pundit have to do with Pakistan Cricket?...

POSTED BY
domgriffiths
on | September 20, 2010, 22:48 GMT

@Down-under - that last comment is outrageous. Giles Clarke, in his capacity as head of the ICC's initiative to get Pakistan playing more Test cricket, came up with the innovative idea of hosting neutral series in England. To refer to this in the same breath as the Stanford fiasco is nonsensical. Your childishly inconsistent remarks have a lot in common with those of Ijaz Butt.

Just like an ugly politician to use classic deflective tactics and scream "They did it too!" This sad excuse for a cricket fan, let alone PCB Chairman, is as dangerous and damaging to Pakistan cricket as the actual allegations themselves.The powers that be in Pakistan should do whatever they can to rid themselves of this pathetic idiot and begin the process of rebuilding Pakistan cricket to the levels we all know they can achieve. Butt by name, Butt by nature.

POSTED BY
bharath74
on | September 20, 2010, 22:33 GMT

I dont understand y ppl r blaming Ijaz Butt, he didnt fix matches, he didnt ask Shoaib Malik to play internal politics, he didnt ask Kamran Akmal to drop catches, he didnt force players to bowl noballs. What can he do if players start playing internal politics rather than playing cricket? Mr Butt stood tried to resurrect PCB finances by pleading ENG and UAE to host matches. Chopping and Changing frequently doesnt help Pak, it only helps ppl like Osman Samiuddin or Harsha Bhogle to write another article.

POSTED BY
ArtPakistan
on | September 20, 2010, 22:31 GMT

Team Pakistan has done exactly what the country was expecting them to do….taken revenge of their insult in the battlefield. I have a suggestion for Brits and their ECB as well. Go and play and try to win your opponents in the field, rather than looking towards your media and ICC for HELP.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 22:25 GMT

Osman!
I agree with you completely, and I don't think anyone is conspiring against Pakistan cricket, but seriously, I don't know why you and most of the other experts including Harsha completely rule out the possibility of conspiracy against Pakistan cricket.Saying why would someone do that, make you all sound very ignorant. I do agree, that in this present scenario, it doesn't look like anyone conspired against them. Fixing matches and spots had been a bad habit of Pak players, which I believe is now dying as these players are under the scanners and the board supporting these players does sound stupid. The Sun report was too weak, and probably meant to sell it's copies instead of any conspiracy, yeah Butt responded in a stupid way and I am sure the evidence he will present will prove how stupid he can get, am sure that will be even weaker than Daily Sun's report, lol.

POSTED BY
ArtPakistan
on | September 20, 2010, 22:24 GMT

Mr. Writer, what else do you expect Mr. Butt to do? Sit back and just watch his boys being ruined by the smearing campaign of biased British media and ICC and on behest of what do u think who??? ECB my informed writer. I found Brits completely lacking sportsman spirit. They tried to find other ways to weaken Pakistan team when they could not beat it in the field. Even getting rid of three ace players could not work so they came up with another plan. Butt has done it 100 percent correct, replied others in the only language they understand. They should become the complainant why just us.

Writers, I would like to see something, something, pro-Pakistan from your pens as well. Especially if this is the country that enabled you to grow up and become a writer.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 22:18 GMT

With Mr Ejaz Butt at the helm of the affairs of Pakistan cricket we dont need any body else to defame us, why Ejaz Butt always travells with Pakistan team accompanied by his kith & kins on the tax payers expenses, is he accountable to any body!. What is the qualification for him to be the chairman of PCB? It is really sad that our sports Minister was questioning the management of PCB but all these questioning has suddenly stoped when PCB arranged a tour of him with the Pakistan team, on whose expenses ours, the tax payers.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 22:06 GMT

Very powerful and influential pakistani person. Made sure that pakistani bus left five minutes after sri lankan bus left to ensure that his friend could kill some foreigners. Now dancing to the tune of those same friends since three of the six spot fixing cricketers under pakistani underworld control are out of the team.

POSTED BY
Alexk400
on | September 20, 2010, 22:01 GMT

I would say BAN pakistan from cricket unless Imarn khan become the PCB chairman and throw out all idiots who has ties to mafia and bookies.

Does Ijaz butt dinner with bookies everyday , how does he know booki circle?.

How come he still PCB chairman is beyond me. He is like N srinivasan power hungry idiot in BCCI.

POSTED BY
vsvaid
on | September 20, 2010, 22:00 GMT

It is confirmed now, Mr Butt is an Indian agent

POSTED BY
Lahori_Munde
on | September 20, 2010, 21:52 GMT

Along with Izaz Butt, Mr. Giles Clarke himself is a joker indeed. In around two years time, he invited another fiasco for English Cricket. Remember the Stanford Series in WI? and now trying to be big brother for Pakistan and inviting them to make England a home. England needs to kick Giles out of their cricket..

POSTED BY
Lahori_Munde
on | September 20, 2010, 21:51 GMT

Along with Izaz Butt, Mr. Giles Clarke himself is a joker indeed. In around two years time, he invited another fiasco for English Cricket. Remember the Stanford Series in WI? and now trying to be big brother for Pakistan and inviting them to make England a home. England needs to kick Giles out of their cricket..

POSTED BY
PakFanMinn
on | September 20, 2010, 21:50 GMT

Osman Sahib, Stop being dont always to pick on Pakistan Team and board as being source of all issues. Stand up for Pakistan. There are only few editors who represent Pakistan in cricinfo. Butt had a valid point to ask "Did you ask the other people who made allegations against our players whether they had any proof?. This all started when Butt voted against Australian John Howard selection to ICC presidency and Darrel Hair shameful exit. It is foolish on our team mates also to fall into their multi million dollar scheme of things.

POSTED BY
Lahori_Munde
on | September 20, 2010, 21:47 GMT

Very well written Osman. I thought ImranKhan summed up very well when he said their is chaos in every front of life in Pakistan. Comprehensively failed system and corrupt people. And such failure is reflected in major issues at the international level. Back in 2009, I was in Pakistan for a month on business. And I just can't believe the propaganda being to the pakistani people by their media. Watching TV in my hotel room-f I reacall the name correctly, it was the person name Zaid Hamid on some TV show blatantly talking total trash and blaming other countries for every failure in Pakistan. I really felt for the commoner in Pakistan..

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 21:25 GMT

I think PCB should have called this tour off once its players were accused of spot fixing, given the nature of such damaging claims. Albeit, the tour continued in the midst of such biased & hostile media desperate to sell their story. It is no surprise that due to the current geo-political situation with Pakistan and also historically, Pakistani's are especially treated suspiciously and much worse comparatively in this part of the world. In short, if the PCB had the right people in charge they would have dealt with it much better but instead the disaster continued to unfold. I can understand the frustration on the part of ECB & English players & their pundits when they are accused of something they have probably not done. Has anyone thought of the mental torture the visiting side is having to endure since they had these allegations thrown at them from every corner? Let's be straight, if the players are guilty of any wrong doings then let them be punished but don't target the rest.

POSTED BY
MAK123
on | September 20, 2010, 21:17 GMT

A buffoon...yes, that's what he is...sadly, this unfortunate nation is governed by buffoon like Butts in every sphere of life......why go far; looks towards the presidency and the prime minister's house!!!

POSTED BY
Vishnu27
on | September 20, 2010, 21:04 GMT

AK47_pk: you are not referring to ball tampering such as Mr Afridi's little "taste" of the ball in Perth, are you...?

POSTED BY
stumpedbythetruth
on | September 20, 2010, 21:03 GMT

Tayyeb Tahir > I'm probably falling for one of the oldest tricks in the book here but am I right in saying you submitted your comment some 30 minutes before the no-ball in the 29th over? This is obviously a trick rather than the truth?

See what's happened!? Match fixing paranoia!

POSTED BY
k2arian
on | September 20, 2010, 21:02 GMT

i totally agreed with fawad iqbal that if u are cricinfo pak editor u should write an article when a british newpaper famous for scandalous reporting put allegation on pakistanteam. u should defend pakistan team and members when everyone was writing against the team even before any thing was proved against them. they were punished by icc before the complition of investigation by police.
secondly butt was right when he told u that every one was putting allegations against pakistan without providing any evidence. so why butt has to provide any evidence when he is accusing others?
lastly i can clearly evaluate from ur articles that ur loyalties and sympathies are not
with pakistan.dont be loyal to ur pay master more than the master. disgrace for my country pakistan that people like u are cricinfo editor for pakistan.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 20:54 GMT

the whole controvercy is icc's fault definately,how in the world they can start investigations on a newpaper's report,this is all rediculous,more over if icc started investigation against PAkistaN based on nothing really,then why they didnt do the same when investigations were not started on AUSTRALian newspaper's report which stated about the massive corruptions in IPL..................with the involment of 29 Players in corruption,where did that report go........there are the double standards of icc n this is ruining cricket ...............

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 20:53 GMT

I think ICC should do some fAVOR TO Pakistai fans and that is to temporarily ban Pakistan from all events, that way at least we will get rid of this Moron Butt!!

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 20:53 GMT

When you appoint demented, stupid and irresponsible Ijaz Butt as Chairman of PCB than what do you expect. Instead of taking out his anger at ICC and the Sun newspaper for accusing TEAM PAKISTAN he attacks ECB without any reason or concrete evidence. ECB has done everything possible to promote Pakistan cricket and I for one as a fan am very grateful to them for giving me the opportunity of enjoying Pakistani players perform. There are lots of problems with Pakistan cricket but I am afraid Ijaz Butt is the wrong person to resolve them. The sooner he is sacked and we appoint PCB Chairman on merit the better, instead of it being a political appointment. In fact I wish all appointments in Pakistan were based on merit than perhaps we may sort out all the problems facing the country.

POSTED BY
KarachiKid
on | September 20, 2010, 20:53 GMT

I would request anyone who can do this job - president of pakistan, ICC, ECB whoever, to get us rid of Mr. Butt. Though English tabloids have been extremely harsh on Pakistan, its Butt who is the source of all our problems. First playing Lahore's Model Town Eleven, then all this spot fixing mess. Maybe threat of international isolation will make Zardari fire his buddy Butt and replace him with anyone - yes anyone other than Butt will do !!!

POSTED BY
atif1977
on | September 20, 2010, 20:49 GMT

I am not a fan of Ijaz Butt by any means. However all these scams by the ICC and the English media has cornered the tigers yet again. And how does a tiger respond? By lashing out with its sharp claws. And that my friend is what Ijaz did. Enough is enough. Pakistan cricket has been lambasted plenty of times this year and without any PROOF!!!! Can someone show me the PROOF!!!!???? No, that video and the Salman Butt photoshopped image are not proofs. The video simply showed a guy talking with cash in front of him to someone not even on the screen. NEWS ALERT!!! THATS NOT PROOF PEOPLE!! Since when do we incriminate people without proving the mischief first?

POSTED BY
Vishnu27
on | September 20, 2010, 20:49 GMT

As an Australian neutral, all I can say is: Osman Samiuddin is a very sage & sensible man. Full credit to him to speak up. It is no secret that there is a massive love/hate sporting rivalry between Australia & England, & as much as I would love some horror story to come out about English cricket... there is absolutely no way in the world Mr Butt's words have any shred of credibility. No way, end of story. That simple.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 20:48 GMT

Then ECB now giving strong statements that we condemn this blah blah against our players, whereas few days ago they were so happy when it was going on with other players from Pakistan. They even gave statements they welcome all moves to remove match rigging...so why don't they standby and do investigations...??? Double faced ECB...eewww

So how would you rate out this comment

"Yep, we all love cricket and we cannot stand this match fixing stuff. I'm deeply saddened to see the English men throwing wicket just for money. Ah why, but why did England cricket team did this to cricket, we love cricket so much and won't stand the illegal activities in it. I saw pictures and video of English cricket team, meeting some people they know. I'm confident that those were bookies.

Lets all stand united against the match fixing stuff and appeal to ICC to investigate into England recent innings."

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 20:47 GMT

i agree it shouldn't be like that...but see what the other boards and players have done...

Initially when the match fixing news was flared, what they did was best to help the cause, have u read the interviews of individual players, of ECB and other boards. Like giving statements again n again that such sting operations are welcomed and ICC should take measure and all..

Why is it that after this was poped up, statements came from other players that "haan bae haan, mujh ko bi contact kia" etc etc...were they sleeping all the time before this event triggered...

Don't you think that this helps this original verdict against our players, even when all what they saw was a bunch of pictures and no proof.
Then ECB now giving strong statements that we condemn this blah blah against our players, whereas few days ago they were so happy when it was going on with other players from Pakistan. They even gave statements they welcome all moves to remove match rigging...

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 20:39 GMT

I don't know what to write about Butt any more... all I can say is just look at his picture, he looks idiot... doesn't he. He must qualify for the one as two of the most hatted guys in Pakistan...his boss is the other one.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 20:37 GMT

Well lets blame the loss on Mr Butt's remarks. Do we know how you play under off the field pressure?

POSTED BY
salman_0902
on | September 20, 2010, 20:34 GMT

Its so embarrassing that a person uses butt instead of brains and still stays as chief.

POSTED BY
manihammad
on | September 20, 2010, 20:33 GMT

an excellent piece. a slap on face of all those Pakistani fans themselves who thought that this is the way we should respond. now pay the consequence. and yes keep calling fans like me traitor but do read the last paragraph again

POSTED BY
Nadeem1976
on | September 20, 2010, 20:24 GMT

Two things should happen now.
1 - Ijaz butt should resign or sack by president of Pakistan.
2- ICC cheif executive should resign after giving such a huge statement without even asking two boards.

Giles clarke is a great man and he did a lot for Pakistan and ECB did a lot for pakistan to allow us to playing in their country. No body else will do that.

Ijaz but has no administrative skills and he is old and furustrated and ECB knows that , he should resign and accept the defeat by english media that they caught Pakistan team cheating. Accept it Mr. Butt. No way out.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 20:22 GMT

Aren't we doing something wrong? I mean aside from getting involved in all the scandals? Shouldn't we be the ones humbly apologizing for the disturbance and try moving on?

POSTED BY
SaudAlvi
on | September 20, 2010, 20:21 GMT

"There is loud and clear talk in bookie circles that some English players have taken enormous amounts of money to lose the match [the third ODI]. No wonder there was such a collapse."
And whats wrong with that ? if the bookies talk about Pakistani team its a proof if they talk about English team no one can talk about it ???
My Theory - England and India suck so much that people have to loose to them to keep English and Indian crowds interested in cricket - ICC arranges / helps in that.

lol .. enjoy.

POSTED BY
Maulaii
on | September 20, 2010, 20:09 GMT

Butt is killing Pakistan's cricket with his own hands and I am not sure how much more damage we need to see before he leaves PCB. There is no doubt ECB helped PCB by going out of the way and now Butt took the anger of tabloid journalism out on our own friend. These are the most depressed days of Pakistan cricket I have ever seen in my life.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 20:07 GMT

fourth ODI was fixed????????pakistan won again?????the ball was tempered??????
OR THE PCB'S AND ECB'S have fixed the entire series so fifth odi will be the final odi for the sake of sponsors????

POSTED BY
arshadmomin
on | September 20, 2010, 19:57 GMT

Butt is a wacko no doubt. Still, I for one, this is an absolute genious he came up with. ECB has been playing propaganda ever since the series with England started. Till the time Pakistan played Australia, there were no issues. Nor was there anything till England was winning. When ECB cannot win straight, they play crooked.
With statements like this Butt has put the pressure on the English players.

I am not sure if everyone is forgetting that 3 of Pakistan's best players have been suspended for spot-fixing, not match fixing, not ball tampering, not drugs.

Lets not fool ourselves. There are no saints in ECB or the english team.

Hats off, Mr Butt, fight propaganda with propaganda.

POSTED BY
_NEUTRAL_Fan_
on | September 20, 2010, 19:54 GMT

Butt is an idiot and I will put it no other way. I'm sure Afridi and co are embarrassed to have Butt as one of their administrators. If he has a prob with the newspapers targeting Pak, which is of course going to happen due to the 1st blow up and the existing instability of the team, he should take it up with htem. What he did was ridiculously rude and immature and any person who supports his outburst is equally immature.

POSTED BY
Chona
on | September 20, 2010, 19:52 GMT

Pakistan has won the 4th ODI too...may be it was also fixed...Only british media can tell.....!!!!!!!!!!!
Come on ...give us a break..... PLAY AND LET OTHERS PLAY CRICKET...............
ACCEPT DEFEAT....

POSTED BY
wajidjamil
on | September 20, 2010, 19:35 GMT

I agree with Jan Berz, well written and unbiased.

POSTED BY
thepeacemaker
on | September 20, 2010, 19:00 GMT

Folks in Pakistan need to realize, as the saying goes, that 'denial' is not just a river in Egypt. And unfortunately, as some others here have pointed out, this is not just restricted to cricket or politicians. Even in the minds of the general public there, all that is going wrong in the country is a result of some external conspiracy or other.

POSTED BY
_sTrang3r_
on | September 20, 2010, 18:59 GMT

Having spend most of my life (18 yrs) in Pakistan, i know the country is not crawling with smart people, but COME ON. Are we just genetically flaud to assign the worst man possible for all our government instituion. Like what was this guy thinking? What kind of proof does he have? It was just such a half-hearted attempt to get the attention off the Pak team, but guess what Mr. DumBhutt, it didnt work! In fact, you did something none was us (Pakistani) exptected was possible - make the situation worse. Its cues of his improper handling of the situation that things are such a mess. Any rational person would had not selected (if not suspended) the accused player when such a strong allegation came forward, but due his arrogance the ICC had to step in and now its worse than it should be.

Could we pleaseeeeeeeee get some sanity back in the board. Its bad enough the country is being run by an idiot, please leave our sport in the hand of the sane!

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 18:58 GMT

Can Mr. Butt explain to all of us how is he fully aware of whats the 'Bookie' circles are saying? Seems he has a lot of influence among them!!! ABSURD and STUPID!!! Its like shooting a bullet in your own foot!!!

POSTED BY
imran786c
on | September 20, 2010, 18:52 GMT

We are the laughing stock of the world - this man is a joke and disgrace to Pakistan. He even surpasses Zardari in terms of incompetence. To accuse England when they are the only ones to have offered us "neutral" playing fields is unbelievable.

This is a great article but i also now feel the only way out is for Pakistan to honourably get "kicked" out of the game until its sorted. I want to watch a team giving their 150% on the field for the country and not the bookies. Anyhow, given what Mr Butt has done, we will have no one to play against anyway.

POSTED BY
van_hauz
on | September 20, 2010, 18:52 GMT

Ijaz Butt's lengthy and illustrious record as a complete half-wit is out in the open for all to see. However, this instance should be the final straw. Not wishing to comment on Zardari and the ilk, I believe someone dignified, respected and primarily, who knows cricket, like an Imran Khan (give up the politics, son. it's going nowhere) should helm the PCB.
@andrew-schulz: It's wise to steer clear of tarring a whole subcontinent with one brush. That's a bit like saying all Australians are nothing but criminals.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 18:52 GMT

assalam o alaikum

dear brother osman,i agree with danish bilal to the extent that why dont you write
the article when a tabloid was reporting,secondly if i publish in an evening newspaper
in pakistan that england have fixed the match.would icc again investigate that particular ODI?????
for the sake of consistency,icc should follow the same pattern if coming ashes series is reported by notw.....

lastly dear,how the respected(my view)butt sahab shot himself in the leg?
what you were doing there?
helping him?
please come forward with a positive frame of mind......
thank you

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 18:38 GMT

I have heard that Kettleborough will give not out to Strauss and will call a no ball in 29th over,,, Logart investigate that please?

POSTED BY
Badreshian
on | September 20, 2010, 18:18 GMT

No matter what cricket boards, ICC and people says, Mr. Butt would remain as PCB chairman untill he finishes cricket in Pakistan and bringing a complete disgrace to the country's cricket. Its high times to say good bye to Butt sahib with a lot of thanks for bringing shame to the country. New Chairman with a lot good sense should be engaged having great communication and diplomatic skills to save Pakistan cricket. But I as Pak cricket fan am hopeless of the situation as I am sure Butt will continue with his job because stupid political forces behind him........

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 18:15 GMT

I think we need to look at this both both point of views.. i agree Ijaz Butt is not a professional administrator and he has not handled the situation very well not even supporting his team but lets not forget that the way our Pakistani team is being treated in England is not fair.. I have to agree that English media is very bias. In my opinion ICC is bias towards Pakistan as well.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 18:00 GMT

I think Ijaz Butt has done more damage to Pakistan cricket than any bookmakers could ever have hoped to achieve.

POSTED BY
bharath74
on | September 20, 2010, 17:51 GMT

Well ECB doesnt care which position Pak holds in ODI or Tests nor the state of cricket in Pak, the thing that didnt go well with ECB is lack of support from PCB when ever it comes to voting in vital matters like for eg Howard candidature as ICC chief and other matters. Asian block tend to stick together which doesnt go well with the rest. Well there may be some truth in fixing but there is no guarantee that English players are not involved, who doesnt like money?. Osama Samiuddin should not forget that there was never a good Cricket administration for Pak in the recent years. PCB only select players, they dont force ppl in fixing or play internal politics. Dont blame PCB for players antics.

POSTED BY
Nitish30
on | September 20, 2010, 17:48 GMT

Someone please throw Ijaz Butt out. Great article and I absolutely agree that Butt has undermined his teams performance.

POSTED BY
cricinme
on | September 20, 2010, 17:46 GMT

His comments have brought to zero level, Pakistan's hard earned convincing victory. Now england will have second thoughts of ever inviting Pakistan to play again as long as this guy is at the helm.

POSTED BY
CBFry-up
on | September 20, 2010, 17:34 GMT

Mr Butt's comments have been unhelpful in the extreme and will only serve to undermine an already fragile team and tour. How can anyone expect the players to perform when they are under such extreme pressure? As Osman points out, this outburst will only alienate more people and push Pakistani cricket further into the abyss. I'm genuinely sorry for the team and its supporters who have had to put up with so much recently that they must be close to breaking point If Mr Butt has real evidence then he should present it fully to the governing body. That fact that he hasn't only emphasises the feeble nature of his attack. Pakistani cricket needs support and understanding, not a chairman who is subject to such idiotic outbursts. I hope the team will always be welcome here in England because they play such exciting cricket and have such talented players. Sadly, that probably won't be the case anymore, and that's bad news for all real cricket supporters.

POSTED BY
Wasif_Minhas
on | September 20, 2010, 17:13 GMT

Well Mr. Butt has made a blunder we all know but Osman i think your quietness on this issue earlier cannot be justified. I hardly saw anything positive from any of the pakistani writers on cricinfo.
I believe this whole episode of spot fixing has done more damage to Pak cricket than anything else and our players need support but neither our media nor our board was able to stand up for them.

POSTED BY
Galefacen
on | September 20, 2010, 16:58 GMT

Mr Butt needs to get his head out of his butt. I know this is a really crude way of putting it but there is only so much you can explain away his actions ...

POSTED BY
sandunk
on | September 20, 2010, 16:57 GMT

Just dug himself and Pakistan cricket a bigger hole. That's about it. @Danish Bilal - Osman clearly pointed that the accusation was from a tabloid newspaper, not ECP board. It's not Osman's business to correct each and every tabloid news. But this is different as its coming straight from the Chairman.

POSTED BY
nomikshah
on | September 20, 2010, 16:49 GMT

I would have liked to have used the choicest words for you but the norms of decency stop me from doing that.

I agree 100% with Danish Bilal.

POSTED BY
S.N.Singh
on | September 20, 2010, 16:48 GMT

Ijaz Butt is like a comedian. Why picking with ICC when your country cricket
is in BIG TROUBLE. Instead of trying to get out of this problem which is
disgrace. I think this was the problem they had in Australia. They fixed all the
match. The Pakistan players are making money , it become a business, untill
they got caught. Ijaz Butt speaks out of his Butt and playing Jazz. He need
the ICC instead of the ICC need Him. As a leader he is not leading, he is dragging along for a job. I do not know if Pakistan will get a good leader ?
S.N.Singh U S A

POSTED BY
temporarynick
on | September 20, 2010, 16:46 GMT

Thats true. Since everyone in Pak is demanding Ijaz Butt to be sacked for a long time now he is trying to get some emotional support from the local forums just to save his position. Totally reflecting the traits of his boss (The Patron).

POSTED BY
wc1992
on | September 20, 2010, 16:42 GMT

I don't know what is going on .. bit one thing for sure Pakistan is being trial by media and everything has been run by media as it appears to be... one thing for sure when the boot is on foot ECB and england is not so comfortable .. it was easly said when finger were appointed at pakistan by bookies ..now same bookies saying about england .. all the red nicks and jumping up and down .... sorry ass old thug like notham is calling to ban Pakistan... so MR G botham game is no longer own by you or G land australia ... i feel sory for him for 1992 and pathatic attempt he had at Imran Khan the Great .... check for your self everyone ... england have long history for never liking Pakistan as the Stood up to them

POSTED BY
fataquie
on | September 20, 2010, 16:38 GMT

PCBs incompetence keeps sinking further every year. During Dr. Nasim Ashraf's era, most of us thought that a real idiot would have to take his place to sink PCB any further. Mr. Butt achieved that probably in his first week! I wonder if EVER Butt is replaced, how much further damage his successor would do? I have stopped watching Pakistan cricket.

POSTED BY
WRahman
on | September 20, 2010, 16:37 GMT

I completely agree with statement of Ijaz Butt. Finally he has done something right. If you read the tone of interviews of Andy Flower, they completely indicate that Pakistanis have cheated. and wht the heck is ICC doing. If they have to take measured after reading a tabloid, then what is its Anti- corruption unit for. ECBs statement after SUN news was that our players are not involved, its the Pakistani player.

And Ijaz butt has hit them, where it hurts.

And hasnt it hurt badly.

and you can see that from the answers that were asked after toss.

I like dat....

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 16:30 GMT

can't we just get rid of the big Butt?

POSTED BY
AK47_pk
on | September 20, 2010, 16:18 GMT

i totaley suport pcb nd pakistan cricket board...everytime we visit england, we are called cheats without any reason....imran khan was accused ov ball tampering (he won the case in britsh court) then oval charges(proven wrong) nd now all this??....it takes lot ov courage to give a statement like mr butt did....go on, give them taste ov their own medicine :)

POSTED BY
Majid-hsc
on | September 20, 2010, 16:10 GMT

Can Ijaz Butt tell what his qualification is to become the PCB Chairman? Is it just because he is the brother in law of the defence minister and because president of Pakistan is extremely incompetent person and he can not tolerate anybody in his sight with any sign of competency.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 16:08 GMT

Well, Osman Sahib you have really disappointed many in Pakistan. I really wonder if you are from Pakistan? No body has any doubt about the incompetency of the current PCB and Ijaz Butt. However, your criticism of Pakistan and failureto notice the extra-ordinary bias of the likes of ICC and ECB, is extremely regrettable. English Media has always been bias towards Pakistan. However, they have crossed all boundaries here. ICC and ECB didn't extend Pakistan any friendly hand, rather, adde fuel to the fire. How can you say that ICC has a "neat bit of wordplay" when they try to trap Pakistan into a match fixing allegations, instead of informing PCB in the first place, of any real suspicions hey have. Its their job to minimize the damage to cricket rather than sensationalizing it? AND, ECB didn't end the tour for Pakistan's sake, but to avoid the financial losses in the wake of premature conclusion of the tour. Also, MCS sponsored the neutral tour, not ECB.

POSTED BY
Majid-hsc
on | September 20, 2010, 16:01 GMT

Very well written article. I myself really feel sorry for Giles Clarke. That man has always tried to help Pakistan Cricket in whatever way possible. I have always felt that the whole cricketing world is very enthusiastic about watching a strong Pakistan Cricket Team play. Everybody loves to see the brand of cricket which Pakistan team is famous for playing. But Pakistan Cricket Board seems to come again and again with something very atrocious. For example, Provision of security to Sri Lankan Cricket Team, Handling of dope tests of Asif and Shoaib, handling of overall discipline of shoaib, handling of oval test, and handling of match fixing allegations through out the decade. PCB should have been most concerned about spot fixing but they seems to be the least concerned. It's Pakistan cricket's responsibility to come clean in front of the world. Instead they are foolishly pointing fingers to whoever they see, as if it's local Pakistani politics.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 16:00 GMT

Newspapers don't run conspiracies, they run a business, which requires them to make money by selling more papers. Completely agree with this line and all of your article, but they are suppose to be neutral and fair and for your info and for everybody spot fixing or match fixing could not be possible without other team's co-operation not a single line is written against any English player and in fact nobody is talking about why Billy Doctrove did not bother to refer to 3rd umpire, the comments made by Mr.Butt is purely reactionary & he should have not follow what others are foolishly following. Two things I don't understand in this whole episode is
If newspaper knows about spot fixing in advance and they notify to ICC what did ICC anti corruption do about it? And why as soon as the match was over this report furnished through media about fixing.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 15:54 GMT

Butt did the wrong thing but atleast now ENG knows what it feels like to be alleged for cheating. No Pakistani player went for any ENG player's throat when we were alleged.
If ICC cant provide the proof then they should keep their mouths shut.

POSTED BY
cricpolitics
on | September 20, 2010, 15:53 GMT

You have got to look at things in the whole context. It is very easy to blame the Pak team and anything that goes around them. You can't blame Pak people for not thinking of a conspiracy since there are concpiracies all over the world of current cricket. How in the world can ICC and the media be only after one team? Is ICC suggesting that Pakistan team and the players are the only team involved in match fixing and spot fixing?? Why is ICC so quick to make public statements against Pakistan and start investigations against Pakistan but clear England players off any allegations within few hours of ECB contacting them and may be giving some threats. Why ICC is so quick to refute allegations agianst IPL match fixing where 29 players have been allegedly involved?? Why media reports in the British media agaisnt Pakistan are readily taken by the ICC but not the reports coming from Indian media against IPL scandals? There is so much that ICC has to answer before you can start blaming others.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 15:52 GMT

well Ijaz butt did the right thing but in a little wrong way..he should have planned before saying it..and yeah mistake at Salman Butt's part..when he was "wrongly" alleged..he should have come forward and said it clearly that the media is questioning his and his players integrity ..and they condemn it...but they actually were more confused!!

POSTED BY
Zahidsaltin
on | September 20, 2010, 15:51 GMT

HAVE A MESSAGE TO ECB AND OTHER CRICKET LOVERS:

I as a Pakistani and cricket fan in general, appologize for whatever this jocker is saying. He indeed is making fun of pakistan while accusation regarding England players without any evidence. ICC might have been wrong in their way to conduct the things but then he should have criticised them and not what he did. We pakistani cricket lovers are hostage to Mr. Butt and his employer and hope ICC decisions are for pakistani people and not in responce to Mr. Butts behaviour.
And at the end, Botham you are nothing more than an alkoholic and am happy that u don't have any say in cricket decision making.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 15:50 GMT

Remember, how countries protect and boost the morale of their players even if they are 100% wrong. England Cricket Board immediately announced bonuses for their cricket team players, after Shakoor Rana Vs Mike Gatting spat, in the Faisalabad Test. Now, compared to that issue, our players in England are facing such type of worst harrasment, mental torture and press hounding in their English tour, which is unparalled in the hisrory of world sports.

Braving all hardships, our boys have, even defeated their opponents. I am sure any other team could have easily capitulated under such pressure and returned back home.

Under the circumstances, our cricket team playing in England, deserve kudos & needs to be awarded hardship bonus by PCB.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 15:49 GMT

Pakistan's problem has always been in the management. Ijaz Butt is incompetent and he has assembled very inept people around him at PCB. These people are nothing by sycophants, who just admire Mr. Butt and keep their job. People of Pakistan have to demand removal of Ijaz Butt and appointment of competent people to the Board. Ask Imarn Khan or the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) to recommend people. I am sure there are other institutions in Pakistan, these two just came to my thoughts.

POSTED BY
dr_salman
on | September 20, 2010, 15:46 GMT

well...i wud love to c the ecb take legal action against butt n sue him for watevr he has...that wud b a gr8 service to cricket in pak if this guy s thrown out of job for good..!! n all cricket lovers in pak wud b anything but delighted !!

POSTED BY
Majid-hsc
on | September 20, 2010, 15:45 GMT

As a Pakistan fan, I beg to England & Wales Cricket not go back on their decision to take Ijaz Butt to court. This man has made Pakistan Cricket a laughing stock.

POSTED BY
jashan83
on | September 20, 2010, 15:39 GMT

I am surprised that after seeing such strong evidence people are supporting Mr Butt and the tainted players. For god's sake implicating these players does not mean that whole Pakistan is bad. Nobody says and believe that ways. But comments from Mr Butt has surely made him joker of the world and if people defend him then the same would go for the country also.

The consipracy to defraud Pak Cricket is not hatched by an outside entity but by our own chief patron Mr. Zardari. Every kid knows the only free entertainment available to the public is Cricket. Taking our cricket away will be like a last nail in the coffin as the goal to seek revenge from Pak public for not protecting benazir will be achieved. Butt is a bafoon who is only ensuring these nefarious designs come through.

POSTED BY
anilkp
on | September 20, 2010, 14:55 GMT

Excellent systematic analysis, Osman, as always from you! I keep wondering about one question: this analysis (and such deep, wide understanding) came from one head, and also many cricket lovers over the world may have developed almost the same set of statements themselves. Now, how come multi-personnel organizations(and hence, comprising of many heads supposedly able to think) like ICC and PCB cannot think clearly and systematically? We see such serious malfunctions in every spheres of life: politics, Deep Horizon this summer, never settling Japan government, the mess in the middle east and Afghanistan...and the list can grow endless. Do we, then, have any hope of a hopeful, logical living? Perhaps not. And since we cannot die for such fools around, the best way to live is perhaps to ignore stupids and their stupidity. But that would need me to forget cricket. Is that possible? What's the way out?

POSTED BY
WorldReporter
on | September 20, 2010, 14:36 GMT

I totally agree that Butt is not a good administrator at all and inacapable of representing Pakistan cricket in any manner. I don't believe that any of the matches were fixed,however irrespective of what Butt says I strongly believe there is an intetional attempt at a larger level to malign Pakistan cricket and stop it and the reason is much bigger than where Pakistan ranks in ICC list. The conspiracy is more political in nature so as to have Pakistan out of th world map, it has already taken a beating from natural alamaities, internal and cross border conflicts, the only thing that keeps the nation together and represents Pakistan at the world level is Pakistan Cricket. So if Pak cricket is gone a substantial representation that Pakistan makes on the world level would be gone.

POSTED BY
bobagorof
on | September 20, 2010, 14:31 GMT

It would be a shame if Pakistan were given a break, and it would punish the cricket-lovers of Pakistan even more than they have already endured, but Mr Butt is certainly not helping his country by making these sorts of comments. He comes across as petty and immature with his attempt at tit-for-tat accusations. Unfortunately, I can't really see the situation improving while he is at the helm.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 14:28 GMT

The comments made by Ijaz Butt may be wrong but he did a right thing. He may have put himself in danger, but he use the same tactic that ECB and ICC are using to put Pakistani players under pressure. Osman I'm surprised you didn't write any article when Sun alleged Pakistan for match fixing after they won the match, or when ICC suspended Pakistani players without the outcomes of investigation, or when PCB had to find about 3rd match from media instead of ICC.

POSTED BY
Neel_123
on | September 20, 2010, 14:25 GMT

Very nicely put Osman. Mr. Butt´s has not shot in `his` foot but I believe he has aimed to kill Pakistan Cricket. Damage caused by Mr. Butt to Pak cricket will be seen soon
ECB must be fuming (their decently worded statement not withstanding) and rightly so!! Wonder if there is any other cricket baord willing to host home series on Pakistan behalf!?

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 14:25 GMT

what was that refrain from Henry V111? "Will someone not rid me of this troublesome PCB chairman"?

This man's idiocy is an international embarrassment - almost as bad as that buffoon who head the High Commission in the UK. Mind you, what else can be expected when you have a man as estimable as Zardari dishing out the roles?

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 14:19 GMT

Beautiful article. England has been so good to us, it cannot be expressed. They let us hold a NEUTRAL series against Australia and let us profit from it so we can develop cricket. After the scandal, they could have easily cancelled the series, but once again they backed us up.

Ijaz Butt is a joke, and I just want to apologize to every English cricket fan. The majority of us are TRULY grateful for the way they have treated us, and our team. Ijaz Butt is an idiot, and in NO WAY reflects are thinking at all. Most of us hate him ourselves, and he should be KICKED out. He handles each crisis so poorly (the 2011 WC, the IPL situation, and now this). He needs to be replaced ASAP before we get banned (which could also be justified the way Butt acts).

POSTED BY
andrew-schulz
on | September 20, 2010, 14:17 GMT

This moron took umpire Steve Davis to task for having the hide to criticize the security arrangements at Lahore after his life was placed in serious danger. Yet another case of living in la-la land in the cricket world of the Asian sub-continent.

POSTED BY
manobilla
on | September 20, 2010, 14:02 GMT

Agree with Hind88. We, as a nation, have stopped thinking a while ago. It is just coming to light now...

POSTED BY
ThKhan
on | September 20, 2010, 14:01 GMT

SORRY ECB and English peopl, we'v such administration all over in our country :( from top to bottom

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 13:57 GMT

I agree that PCB chairman shouldn't have said what he said in frustration as his team is under constant scrutiny for the right or wrong reasons. I don't know about conspiracies but there is a pattern to these accusations agains Pakistan team for a very long time. Everytime the team visits England, the tabloids in particular make them feel very 'welcome' by hurling un necessary abuses and wrong doings. Every time they win, they are being accused of ball tampering or cheating, loosing games does put them in even worse situation. The PCB is to be blamed for not being able to handle this and other issues in the best interest of the team & game. ICC has to do a lot more by tackling these issues and making sure that there are no double standards. Have we forgotten the Cronje's, Warne's, Waugh's, Stewart's, Azharuddin's etc. and their identities? This is not about one team & one country. ICC should get Indians clean their house too with illegal bookmakers bringing this game to disrepute.

POSTED BY
Itchy
on | September 20, 2010, 13:56 GMT

The ICC to which you refer - would they not be the same ones who blocked former Australian PM John Howard from becoming VP?

POSTED BY
TrexTrainer
on | September 20, 2010, 13:54 GMT

How Ijaz Butt is still the chairman of PCB is beyond me.

POSTED BY
javed95
on | September 20, 2010, 13:53 GMT

PCB should get his house in order ASAP. This can not be done before
1.: Getting rid of Ijaz Butt
2.: Top Priority take on ICC in the courts for demage it contineu to do Pakistan
cricket
3.: Take on Haroon of ICC to the courts as well to send the message to others.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 13:43 GMT

Our own writers/media and anchors have let Butt and the team down.He is not a diplomat but he is dead right to fight for the truth. Sounds bitter to Brit ears but what do they expect from us after what they have done to our team heroes.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 13:17 GMT

Biggest joker in the history of cricket.

POSTED BY
Hindh
on | September 20, 2010, 13:01 GMT

Pakistan are living in a house made of glass and they should think before hurling
stones at others mindlessly.

No featured comments at the moment.

POSTED BY
Hindh
on | September 20, 2010, 13:01 GMT

Pakistan are living in a house made of glass and they should think before hurling
stones at others mindlessly.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 13:17 GMT

Biggest joker in the history of cricket.

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 13:43 GMT

Our own writers/media and anchors have let Butt and the team down.He is not a diplomat but he is dead right to fight for the truth. Sounds bitter to Brit ears but what do they expect from us after what they have done to our team heroes.

POSTED BY
javed95
on | September 20, 2010, 13:53 GMT

PCB should get his house in order ASAP. This can not be done before
1.: Getting rid of Ijaz Butt
2.: Top Priority take on ICC in the courts for demage it contineu to do Pakistan
cricket
3.: Take on Haroon of ICC to the courts as well to send the message to others.

POSTED BY
TrexTrainer
on | September 20, 2010, 13:54 GMT

How Ijaz Butt is still the chairman of PCB is beyond me.

POSTED BY
Itchy
on | September 20, 2010, 13:56 GMT

The ICC to which you refer - would they not be the same ones who blocked former Australian PM John Howard from becoming VP?

POSTED BY
on | September 20, 2010, 13:57 GMT

I agree that PCB chairman shouldn't have said what he said in frustration as his team is under constant scrutiny for the right or wrong reasons. I don't know about conspiracies but there is a pattern to these accusations agains Pakistan team for a very long time. Everytime the team visits England, the tabloids in particular make them feel very 'welcome' by hurling un necessary abuses and wrong doings. Every time they win, they are being accused of ball tampering or cheating, loosing games does put them in even worse situation. The PCB is to be blamed for not being able to handle this and other issues in the best interest of the team & game. ICC has to do a lot more by tackling these issues and making sure that there are no double standards. Have we forgotten the Cronje's, Warne's, Waugh's, Stewart's, Azharuddin's etc. and their identities? This is not about one team & one country. ICC should get Indians clean their house too with illegal bookmakers bringing this game to disrepute.

POSTED BY
ThKhan
on | September 20, 2010, 14:01 GMT

SORRY ECB and English peopl, we'v such administration all over in our country :( from top to bottom

POSTED BY
manobilla
on | September 20, 2010, 14:02 GMT

Agree with Hind88. We, as a nation, have stopped thinking a while ago. It is just coming to light now...

POSTED BY
andrew-schulz
on | September 20, 2010, 14:17 GMT

This moron took umpire Steve Davis to task for having the hide to criticize the security arrangements at Lahore after his life was placed in serious danger. Yet another case of living in la-la land in the cricket world of the Asian sub-continent.